DOLE vows to boost youth employment

Following the release of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to boost the employment of Filipino youth.

This after the LFS noted a significant decline in participation among youth aged 15 to 24, attributing it to a growing trend of young individuals actively pursuing education.

"We are bolstering our efforts to empower youth through JobStart Program, Special Program for Employment of Students, and Government Internship Program," Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said.

To further ensure this thrust, Laguesma said the DOLE is "actively engaged in continuous capacity-building initiatives nationwide to strengthen the implementation of these youth employability programs through [its] Public Employment Service Offices and program implementers."

"Our young jobseekers deserve the best possible guidance and support as they embark on their careers, and we are committed to facilitating their seamless transition from school to work," the Labor chief stressed.

"The success of our recent orientations underscored this unwavering commitment to enhancing youth employability through targeted skills development and effective employment facilitation strategies," he added.

Laguesma further recognized the need to adapt to emerging digital transformations in the labor market and prioritize upskilling and reskilling with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

He likewise added that collaborating with other departments, such as the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Information and Communication, and the Department of Science and Technology, "will be very critical in pursuing initiatives under the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, such as the recently developed training regulations on cybersecurity and related digital skills."

"We are determined to proactively address this with a firm commitment to safeguarding our workers’ rights and welfare," Laguesma assured.