By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Energy (DOE) have adopted a framework to protect workers and communities as the Philippines shifts to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
In a news release Wednesday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the DENR signed Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2026-01 on Sept. 15 with Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, adopting the Philippine Just Transition Framework (PJTF).
“As we move toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future, this framework is both a guide and a call to leadership,” Cuna said.
“It challenges every sector to pursue development pathways that uphold environmental stewardship, advance social equity, create decent and sustainable livelihoods, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind.”
The framework will guide the three agencies in aligning their policies, programs, and investments while addressing the transition’s impact on workers, enterprises, industries, and communities.
He said the framework calls on all sectors to pursue development that protects the environment, promotes social equity, and provides decent and sustainable livelihoods.
Under the framework, the DENR will integrate just-transition principles into environmental and natural resource management, including environmental and social risk assessments.
The DOLE will focus on workforce planning, skills development, green jobs, occupational safety and health, labor standards, employment facilitation, and social protection.
Meanwhile, the DOE will incorporate just-transition considerations into energy policies, programs, and investments and assess their effects on workers, enterprises, and communities.
The JAO establishes a Just Transition Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group (TWG), with the DENR serving as interim secretariat for both.
The TWG will prepare a National Just Transition Implementation Plan within 30 months from the JAO’s effectivity, covering priority sectors, financing, stakeholder participation, and monitoring.
Workers, employers, labor unions, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, local communities, and the private sector will also take part through a Multipartite Advisory Group.
The completed framework has been submitted to the Climate Change Commission (CCC) for a resolution on its adoption.
