Despite being the top seaweed producer in the world and ranking 12th overall in terms of aquaculture output, workers from the sector are informally employed and include child laborers. Moreover, they are paid low and unstable incomes, are exposed to unsafe working conditions, and have limited access to social protection. These were the findings of a research study by the International Labor Organization’s Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains Project, focusing on decent work and responsible business practices in the Philippine aquaculture sector. Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, called for stronger collaboration among all aquaculture stakeholders to help the sector reach its potential.

Santos, P. (2025, November 3). Dialogue spotlights aquaculture workers’ labor rights. Daily Tribune, p. G40.