DOLE Launches 10-Year Strategy to Boost Skilled Employment in Philippines

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The Philippines' labor market is notably shifting towards skilled occupations, prompting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to reinforce job creation through a comprehensive 10-year employment strategy. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma revealed that while the employment rate in March 2025 was 96.1 percent—consistent with last year and slightly below February's 96.2 percent—key sectors are driving demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Sectors showing significant job creation include education, administrative services, arts, entertainment, fishing, aquaculture, and health, highlighting a move away from elementary roles towards service, sales, craft, trade, and technical positions. This evolution indicates a maturing labor market aligned with economic needs, according to Laguesma.

The country's unemployment rate dropped substantially by 69,000 from a year prior, now standing at 1.931 million as of March 2025. This reduction surpasses the targets set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, reflecting improving labor market conditions.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as mismatches between education, skills, and job locations, DOLE introduced the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034 on May 5. This initiative aims to tackle long-term issues like unemployment, underemployment, and youth joblessness, preparing the workforce for future economic demands through cohesive efforts among government, industry, and civil society.

In its commitment to boosting employment, DOLE is conducting monthly job fairs in partnership with Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and the private sector. From January to April this year, 338 job fairs were held, presenting over 670,000 job vacancies from more than 10,000 employers. The Labor Day nationwide job fair alone offered over 260,000 positions, showcasing diverse opportunities.

Moving forward, DOLE is determined to enhance workforce skills and refine employment policies through increased collaboration with private sector partners and key stakeholders, ensuring the Filipino workforce is equipped for evolving economic landscapes.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-09