Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that the government is rolling out aggressive economic and labor measures to curb unemployment, prioritizing efforts to streamline business processes, attract investments and expand domestic job opportunities.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed recent labor data showing that while the nation’s total labor force expanded to 52.36 million Filipinos and total employment reached 49.21 million, the unemployment rate nevertheless climbed to 6% in July. The figure leaves an estimated 3.14 million Filipinos without jobs.
Castro noted that unemployment rose partly due to external disruptions, specifically highlighting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a key contributing factor. She explained that many citizens who were supposed to work as overseas Filipino workers in affected Middle Eastern countries have been repatriated back to the Philippines.
Citing Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Castro emphasized that while the overall labor landscape shows a mix of progress and challenges, improving the country’s business environment remains paramount. She pointed out that when investors can secure necessary permits and requirements more quickly, it becomes easier for them to establish operations and hire local workers.
To address long-term structural issues such as job mismatches, the government is executing structural reforms under the National Education and Workforce Development Plan for 2026 to 2035, which aligns local training frameworks with the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Qualifications and Skills Certification.
To provide immediate relief and matching opportunities, the government is pursuing several active initiatives. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is holding monthly Trabaho Agad job fairs nationwide, supported by localized placement networks through Public Employment Service Offices led by local government units.
At present, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is driving workforce readiness through its Upskilling Alliances initiative to match the evolving needs of key industries, while agencies continue offering career guidance and skill-matching activities for students and young workers.
The administration is pushing for targeted assistance and tax relief packages aimed at micro, small and medium enterprises to empower business owners to scale up operations.
Castro emphasized that reducing or simplifying taxes enables small businesses to expand their ventures and generate significantly more employment opportunities for Filipinos across the country.