Labor department vows youth employment boost
'We are determined to proactively address this with a firm commitment to safeguarding our workers’ rights and welfare'
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'We are determined to proactively address this with a firm commitment to safeguarding our workers’ rights and welfare'
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The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) announced Wednesday its commitment to enhance employment opportunities for Filipino youth following the release of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS).
In a statement, the DoLE explained that the LFS indicated a notable decrease in labor force participation among individuals aged 15 to 24, which the survey attributed to an increasing number of young people pursuing education.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated that the agency is intensifying its efforts through programs such as the JobStart Program, the Special Program for Employment of Students and the Government Internship Program.
Laguesma stressed the department’s active engagement in continuous capacity-building initiatives nationwide to strengthen the implementation of these youth employability programs through its Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) 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,” Laguesma said.
He added that recent orientations underscored the department’s commitment to enhancing youth employability through targeted skills development and effective employment facilitation strategies.
Laguesma also acknowledged the necessity of adapting to emerging digital transformations in the labor market and prioritizing upskilling and reskilling in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
He cited that partnerships with other government agencies, including the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Science and Technology, will be crucial in pursuing initiatives under the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, such as 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 said.
