In a historic move to promote decent work and strengthen labour market governance, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is moving closer to finalize a comprehensive labour code aimed at promoting decent work, social justice, and sustainable development.
The proposed legal framework, known as the Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Code (BLEC), is expected to institutionalize an inclusive, rights-based approach to labour governance across the region to support its peacebuilding efforts. Moreover, the BLEC aims to address persistent labour market challenges in BARMM, including high rates of informal and seasonal work, child labour, and youth migration due to limited decent work opportunities.
"BARMM is the result of a peace process that spanned decades. I have personally witnessed how fragile peace can be and how conflict has deeply affected the lives of people, especially the most vulnerable," said Member of Parliament (MP) Alindatu Pagayao, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment. "Conflict does not only take life - it deprives people of the right to dream, right to live with dignity, and right to decent work."
MP Pagayao emphasized that the BLEC is a cornerstone of the region's transition. "As we move into this crucial period, we carry the responsibility of upholding moral governance. We are tasked with building frameworks that will transform the gains of peace into concrete and lasting reforms. One of these is the BLEC."
The BLEC has been named as a priority legislative measure by BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua as the region prepares for its first-ever parliamentary elections on 13 October 2025. Finalizing and enacting the labour code will demonstrate region's commitment to decent work, participatory governance, and lasting peace. It is now aligned with the leadership's shared legislative calendar.
A three-day dialogue and writeshop on the BLEC, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), is currently underway in Manila from 22 to 24 July2025. It is the final step before the plenary submission.
© Minette Rimando/ILO
Originally filed by MP Romeo Sema and refiled in the Second Parliament in 2022, the BLEC has undergone extensive consultations, public hearings, and technical reviews.
The ongoing dialogue and writeshop aims to align the draft with constitutional and International Labour Standards, resolve remaining technical issues, and build consensus among legislators, labour experts, employers, and civil society.
"The BLEC stands as an important milestone for BARMM. It is more than a legal instrument, it is a statement of commitment to decent work, social justice, and inclusive growth for all workers and employers in the region," said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines. "Without a local labour code, the region cannot attract investments, build institutions, or achieve industrialization to create jobs. And without jobs, lasting peace will remain out of reach."
The ILO played a pivotal role in the development of the BLEC, offering technical guidance and convening key partners and stakeholders through a series of dialogues and consultations, which Atty. Rebecca Chato facilitated. The journey began with a comprehensive needs assessment of the region's labour administration and inspection system.
The WFD has also contributed to support the ongoing dialogue and writeshop. "We reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside the Bangsamoro Government, in support of its ongoing transition towards a more inclusive, accountable, and democratic future for the Bangsamoro people," said Sittie Almira Amolan, Programme Coordinator of WFD Bangsamoro. "We trust that the process will be truly responsive to the region's socioeconomic force, our labour sector, and together we will be able to shape the BLEC that not only protects the rights of workers but advances the principles of social justice and inclusive development."
The ongoing dialogue and writeshop is expected to produce a final draft of the BLEC and a documentation report of the deliberations and revisions. Once enacted, the BLEC will serve as a foundation for stronger labour protections, better livelihoods, and a more resilient, prosperous and peaceful Bangsamoro.
