Manila: The growing number of Filipinos joining the labor force should be matched with more stable and quality employment opportunities, Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development chairperson Senator Joel Villanueva said Friday. Villanueva emphasized the urgency of addressing employment quality as the labor force expands, urging immediate action to support the nation's workforce.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva highlighted the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) labor force figures, which underscore the necessity of accelerating the implementation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) plan, the country's long-term strategy for employment generation. "The latest PSA figures remind us that Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) plan must be implemented with greater urgency," he stated.
PSA data revealed that the country's labor force expanded to 53.25 million in June from 51.58 million a year earlier, with the labor force participation rate standing at 65.1 percent. The number of employed Filipinos also saw an increase, reaching 50.66 million, higher than the 50.47 million recorded in June 2025 and 49.63 million in May this year.
Villanueva, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act in the Senate, noted that the law aims to ensure that Filipinos have access not just to available jobs but to stable, decent, and quality employment capable of supporting their families. He also pointed out the need to address employment shifts in key industries, noting significant declines in wholesale and retail trade, as well as fishing and aquaculture, while agriculture and forestry saw an increase in workers.
The senator stressed the importance of focusing on young Filipinos entering the workforce, as youth labor force participation rose from 33.1 percent in June 2025 to 33.7 percent this year. He urged the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development to expedite the nationwide rollout of the TPB plan and strengthen coordination with various governmental departments and agencies.
Villanueva emphasized that sectors currently facing job losses require immediate attention to ensure that more Filipinos can find decent work, earn a living wage, and secure a better future for their families. The TPB Act, or Republic Act 11962, aims to establish a comprehensive plan for employment generation and recovery, promoting job security, competitiveness, and protection for Filipino workers.
The PSA also reported that the unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent in June, equating to 2.59 million Filipinos, compared to 3.7 percent, or 1.95 million, in June of the previous year.
