ILS or Institute for Labor Studies was formally established in July 25, 1987 through Executive Order No. 251 issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino in response to the growing need of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for more comprehensive and innovative research to back up its policy recommendations. Headed by an Executive Director and assisted by a Deputy Executive Director, ILS has been instrumental in the promotion of labor market efficiency, industrial peace and social justice in the last 25 years.