CLARK FREEPORT – Labor officials and representatives of international organizations, employers’ groups, and workers’ organizations across Southeast Asia gathered here on Nov. 10 for the 15th ASEAN Labour Inspection Conference to strengthen compliance with labor standards across global and regional supply.
Themed “Strengthening Labour Inspection in Global and Regional Supply Chains: Accountability, Transparency, and Decent Work,” the conference held at the Royce Hotel here was opened by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino along with DOLE undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, Bureau of Working Conditions director Alvin B. Curada, DOLE Central Luzon director Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, and Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda.
In her welcome address, Governor Pineda emphasized that genuine development must be measured not only by economic growth but also by how effectively society safeguards the rights, safety, and dignity of every worker.
“Economic progress must always go hand in hand with the protection, safety, and dignity of our workers. Behind every successful economy are hardworking people who deserve fair treatment, safe workplaces, and respect for their rights,” she said. “Protecting them is a shared responsibility of government, employers and workers. Because true progress is not measured by economic growth alone, but by how well we protect and uplift the people who make it possible.”
The conference featured the launch of two key regional guidelines: the ASEAN Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Informal Sector, aimed at strengthening safety and protection for informal workers; and the ASEAN Guidelines on Strengthening Labour Inspection in the Fishing Sector, designed to reinforce the rights, safety, and welfare of workers in the fishing industry.
Beyond the policy discussions, exhibition booths showcased the products, artistry, and craftsmanship of Central Luzon. Featured Kapampangan specialties included barquillos, polvoron, pastillas, and cashew marzipan from Sasmuan; oraro and woodcarvings from Guagua; and woven basket products from Angeles City.
These displays highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage and the creativity, perseverance, and skills of local workers and artisans, whose contributions help sustain livelihoods and the local economy.
The Pampanga Provincial Government reiterated that every worker matters—from industrial and fishing-sector workers to farmers, small entrepreneurs, craftsmen, weavers, and other artisans—and deserves recognition, respect, and protection. With Pampanga PIO/Photos: PIA-3
