Employers are drawing up strategies that will complement national policies and programs toward ensuring inclusive growth amid concerns of a continuing joblessness despite higher GDP growth.
This effort comes on the heels of the 34th National Conference of Employers (NCE 34) organized by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on May 23-24 this year where corporate decision-makers discuss issues on the general business climate, in general, and labor-management relations, in particular.
To be held at the Marriott Hotel, Newport, Pasay City, NCE 34 on the theme, “Inclusive Growth: Vision, Prescriptions, and Action,” takes into account the platform of President Aquino enunciated in the Philippine Development Plan which calls on every stakeholder to contribute in their own little way towards the goal of inclusive growth, which means sustained growth that creates jobs. NCE 34 is chaired by Dr. Francis Chua, ECOP Governor, and co-chaired by Ferdie Diaz and Jesus Varela.
Sessions lined up in NCE 34 dwell on the ingredients and elements of sustainability and the way forward for the Philippine economy, becoming a breakthrough entrepreneur in today’s competitive business landscape, and the role of government and international organizations in the promotion of productive and decent employment, among others.
It could be recalled that ECOP has warned that unless the country’s populist labor policies are aligned with the global realities, the economic gains achieved so far would remain to be treading a “jobless growth” scenario.
ECOP president Edgardo B. Lacson earlier raised alarm over the growing number of populist bills pending in Congress seeking to further regulate the already “archaic and very pro-labor” Labor Code.
“How can you have economic boom if we have high unemployment rate. Until we align our labor laws with the global realities, it is a dream,” Lacson said.
“There is economic growth but it remains a jobless growth,” Lacson point out. He said the 7 percent GDP has not been inclusive because unemployment has not ease at a high of 7 percent.
The employment opportunities that have been created are geared for the educated workforce. Besides, the population growth is growing at a faster pace of 2 percent per annum.
ECOP has blamed the unfriendly labor policies in the country as one reason that the country has been lagging behind other ASEAN countries in attracting foreign direct investments.
“That is why we have to appeal to the more rational members of Congress to listen the National Competitiveness Council because labor is one encompassing factor for economic success,” Lacson said. (BCM)

Source: Manila Bulletin - March 22, 2013