ECOP, PUM Netherlands conduct series of events advancing social dialogue and skills development

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Info Notes

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), in collaboration with PUM Netherlands, successfully concluded a pivotal series of events aimed at advancing ECOP’s strategic initiatives in social dialogue and skills development. Conducted from November 5 to 12, 2024, these activities showcased ECOP’s commitment to fostering robust industry partnerships and supporting sustainable workforce development strategies.

Throughout the week, ECOP engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry associations, training organizations, and educational institutions. This inclusive approach facilitated essential discussions on the importance of skills development and bipartite cooperation as effective means to address current workforce challenges.

A major highlight was the intensive 3-day workshop co-facilitated by ECOP and PUM Netherlands. This workshop targeted the manufacturing, hospitality/tourism, and construction sectors—key economic drivers in the Philippines. The event aimed to bridge existing skills gaps by creating a platform for industry leaders to share best practices, discuss upskilling and reskilling strategies, and develop sector-specific solutions.

Complementing the workshop, ECOP also conducted a significant consultation meeting with leaders from training institutions and universities. This gathering focused on aligning educational programs with industry needs, addressing skills deficits, and establishing the foundation for the ECOP Skills Development and Innovation Hub, which is set to enhance workforce readiness and continuous learning.

The workshop and consultation meetings underscored the value of collaborative efforts to tackle challenges posed by rapid technological changes and evolving labor market demands. Through these ongoing initiatives, ECOP reaffirms its commitment to fostering a resilient, highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and global shifts in industry, thereby positioning the Philippines as a player entity with a workforce prepared for future challenges.

MORE

Edgardo Lacson

Chairman of the Board

Edgardo G. Lacson is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and Director of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He was formerly President and Honorary Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).  He was the President of ECOP from 2010 to 2016. Ed Lacson also serves as the President of various business firms, including MIS Maritime Corporation, Safe Seas Shipping Agency, Marine Industrial Supply Corporation, and EML Realty. He serves as Chairman of Metrostore Corporation, MIL Export Philippines, Beacon Environmental Management Services and Primelode, among others.

He is likewise Trustee of both the De La Salle Canlubang, Inc. and Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (PHILPESTA), Managing Director of Link Edge, and a member of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Interisland Shipping Association (PISA), and Makati Business Development Council (MBDC).

An alumnus of then De La Salle College and now De La Salle University where he earned his degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC) Major in Accounting, Ed Lacson indeed through the years has expanded his horizons.

Edgardo Lacson serves as Honorary Chairman at PCCI. His previous business affiliations include the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Marine Chemical Corporation, VLK Traders Philippines, Inc., and Esso Standard Eastern.