Gov’t employment thrust earns kudos
A House leader lauded the Marcos administration for its continued efforts to create jobs for Filipinos.
Rizal Representative Fidel Nograles, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, said the latest figure is a testament to the continued efforts of the present administration to create jobs and lift Filipinos out of poverty.
According to the February 2024 Labor Force Survey (LFS), the the country’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent in February from 4.5 percent in January. The unemployment rate in February last year was at 4.8 percent.
“I am confident that in the months to come we will see sustained progress and more and more of our fellow Filipinos finding employment,” Nograles said.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of unemployed Filipinos went down to 1.80 million from 2.47 million and 2.15 million unemployed persons in February 2023 and January 2024.
The PSA added that the unemployment rate during the month was the second lowest on record since the 3.1 percent in December 2023.
Nograles said that with the release of the implementing rules and regulations of recent laws such as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, the country would see more jobs created.
“I believe the implementation of these laws will result in the creation of more, higher-quality jobs for Filipinos. Naniniwala din ako na makakaasa tayong magpapatuloy ang pag-arangkada ng imprastruktura, turismo, pabahay, at agrikultura na major job-generating sectors,” the lawmaker added.
Nograles also said that the administration can rely on Congress’ continued support in terms of legislation that would help improve the competitiveness and employability of Filipinos.
“Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, is an ever-ready partner of this government in its drive to reduce poverty by giving jobs to the people. Patuloy po tayong magpapasa ng mga batas na makakatulong sa pagbigay ng bentahe sa mga kababayan natin sa kanilang kabuhayan,” he said.
The country’s economic managers have called for the passage of the Enterprise Productivity Act, the Apprenticeship Bill, and the Lifelong Learning Bill, which they say would help enhance the preparedness and employability of Filipinos for quality job opportunities.
