Manila: The Marcos administration is committed to enhancing the Filipino workers' skills and wooing more investors to improve employment, Malaca±ang said Thursday. This announcement comes as Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro expressed elation over the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) latest report. The data revealed that the labor force participation rate in January 2025 reached 20.65 million Filipinos, increasing from 48.06 million in January 2024 and 50.12 million in October 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted that the government has intensified skills training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to better prepare workers for high-growth industries. "What is the government doing? First, skills training at TESDA has been strengthened so that workers are better prepared for high growth industries," Castro stated during a Palace press briefing.
She further elaborated on the impact of the CREATE MORE Act, noting that it has prompted more entrepreneurs to invest in the Philippines, thereby creating more jobs and opportunities in the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. This is achieved through reskilling and upscaling to keep pace with new technology. CREATE MORE stands for Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises - Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy.
Castro emphasized the government's efforts in providing more job opportunities and improving the quality of employment for Filipinos. She expressed optimism about the increasing interest of entrepreneurs to invest in the country, highlighting their vital role in strengthening the Philippine economy.
The government is also implementing improved programs aimed at generating employment for more Filipinos. Castro underscored the necessity of attracting more investors to generate income and employment opportunities for Filipinos. "We really need many investors. Why? It will generate income. It will allow Filipinos to be employed. So, that's what we can say in general. We are really improving," Castro said.
She pointed out that the opening of 2,280 jobs from 30 investors across various industries in Clark, Pampanga, would contribute significantly to improving the country's employment rate. Additionally, the PSA reported an increase in youth labor force participation, rising to 31.8 percent in January 2025 from 29.7 percent a year earlier, indicating stronger engagement among young Filipinos in the labor market.
