Number of jobless Pinoys lower — survey
THE Department of Labor and Employment yesterday expressed optimism as it welcomed the results of the latest Labor Force Survey which showed that the number of jobless Filipinos declined to 3.44 million in March.
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said the survey results show a much-improved labor market condition, with the 45.33 million (92.9%) number of employed persons in March increasing by 2.18 million workers compared to the 43.15 million (91.2%) in February 2021.
“The signs are indeed encouraging. Our economy is gradually getting back on track as more people are actively participating in the labor force and are becoming employed. The DOLE is one with the economic team in pushing for the safe reopening of businesses. With this policy, mobility of workers is further facilitated under a less restrictive community quarantine levels,” he said in a statement.
Bello noted that with unemployment rate at 7.1% (3.44 million unemployed), it is already the lowest recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, adding that they also noted slight decline in the number of underemployed persons by 510,000 at 7.34 million (16.2%) from the 7.85 million (18.2%) in February.
He also pointed out that the vibrant labor market landscape comes close with the initial rollout of vaccines for the A4 category of priority groups – the workers.
“The vaccination program for workers which we spearheaded on May 1 during the Labor Day Celebration should bring back their confidence to become economically active, along with the businesses and consumers. We strongly encourage our workers to get themselves inoculated once the COVID-19 vaccines are available,” the labor chief said.
Bello also reiterated the call on all workers and businesses to continue the strict adherence to the minimum public health standards, and occupational safety and health policies; urging for discipline in observing basic MPHS such as proper wearing of face mask and face shield, washing of hands, and social distancing.
“Rest assured that we will continue to work with various agencies and support initiatives such as the Task Group on Economic Recovery and the National Employment Recovery Strategy towards a safe re-opening of the economy and sustained improvement in our labor market. We commit ourselves to fast tracking the policies and programs specified in the NERS 8-Point Employment Recovery Agenda,” he committed.
