Marcos: Gov’t to continue upskilling, reskilling Filipino workers

Workers construct the different parts of a shoe at a factory in Marikina City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier signed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, which he says will help in upskilling Filipino workers to address the country’s underemployment rate. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that the government will continue to upskill and reskill the country’s workforce following the drop in unemployment.

Philippine joblessness dropped to 3.1 percent in December 2023 from 3.6 percent in November 2023.

READ: PH jobless rate eased to record low of 3.1% in Dec. 2023

“We will continue to implement both demand- and supply-side interventions, including pro-investment reforms and strategic partnerships , to attract more investments,” said Marcos in an X post.

“We will also pursue up-skilling and re-skilling initiatives and promote innovation to prepare our workforce with the necessary skills and adaptability to thrive in many high-quality employment opportunities,” he added.

Marcos said that initiatives such as the Public-Private Partnership Code and the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program will continue to create job opportunities.

The President said he was pleased with the labor force market.

“This positive momentum is attributed to robust growth across all major industry groups, with construction, agriculture, and services leading the way,” said Marcos.

“Looking ahead, our government remains committed to fostering a conducive and enabling environment for employment growth,” he said.