Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced its plans to intensify employment facilitation services for Filipinos to help improve the country's job situation.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a social media post, DOLE highlighted the government's initiatives and programs under the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025-2034. These measures include skills development programs, youth employability programs, and enterprise support, among other targeted assistance for workers.
The DOLE is also monitoring labor market developments and strengthening employment facilitation services through the expanded reach of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). The PESO is an employment service facility established in all key towns and cities, maintained by local government units, and linked with DOLE.
The January 2026 Labor Force Survey (LFS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday indicated that the country's employment rate dropped to 94.2 percent, with 47.94 million employed Filipinos, compared to the previous year's 95.7 percent or 46.49 million Filipinos. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate stands at 5.8 percent, translating to 2.96 million unemployed Filipinos.
In a briefing, PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia del Prado noted that 306,000 individuals were still seeking jobs, while other survey participants were awaiting the results of previous job applications.
