LIPA CITY, BATANGAS – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) have commenced data collection for its study on Gender and Development (GAD) in Labor Organizations on 17 June 2025 at DOLE - Batangas Provincial Office.

The study seeks to assess the role of labor organizations in promoting gender equality in the workplace and advancing decent work across workplaces. The research team, composed of Mr. Lev Mariano, Ms. Jan Danielle Bondad, and Ms. Joan Comillo, facilitated the data-gathering activity, which gathered insights from representatives of both the employee and employer sectors of various companies in Batangas.

During the data gathering, participants provided valuable insights into the implementation of existing Gender and Development (GAD) programs and initiatives within their workplaces while some highlighted the lack of facilities for mothers caring for their children, noting its impact on work performance and attendance. Equally, other respondents expressed pride in the efforts made by their companies and unions to promote gender inclusivity resulting to better performance of employees. They also conveyed support for the study's objectives and shared their intent to recommend activities from the survey questionnaire to their respective companies and unions.

The ILS research team also met with DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Ms. Predelma Tan to present preliminary findings and discuss the next steps for rolling out the study across other areas in Region IV-A.

The GAD in Labor Organizations study is one of the eight research projects currently being undertaken by the Institute and is scheduled to be presented at the 14th DOLE Research Conference in October 2025.

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