Accelerated vaccination and more targeted alert level system with granular lockdowns would reduce coronavirus cases and deaths while bringing back more employment, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the current government policies have showed success in managing COVID-19 risks while allowing more mobility and economic activity.

The November labor market survey showing unemployment rate falling to its lowest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic manifested that “we can successfully manage COVID-19 risks and safely reopen the economy,” Chua said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Friday, Jan. 7, that the country’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.4 percent in October to 6.5 percent in November.

In the same period, the labor force participation rate also increased from 62.6 percent to 64.2 percent.

The decrease in unemployment, combined with a higher labor force participation rate, led to a net employment creation of 1.7 million during the month. This translates to 2.9 million more Filipinos employed compared to the pre-pandemic level, signalling continuous economic recovery.

On the other hand, the underemployment rate marginally increased from 16.1 percent in October to 16.7 percent in November 2021.

“Our policies to accelerate vaccination and to shift to the more targeted alert level system with granular lockdowns enabled us to significantly bring down COVID-19 cases and deaths while bringing back more employment,” Chua said.

In light of the imposition of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, and other areas until Jan. 15, the NEDA chief assured that the alert level system with granular lockdowns remains useful in managing transmission.

“To contain the spread of the Omicron variant, the government is taking a proactive step back by shifting to alert level 3. Business establishments and public transport will remain operational at lower capacities to allow the people to safely earn a living while reducing the risks associated with the 3Cs,” Chua said.

The government will also continue accelerating the vaccination program amid the imposition of Alert Level 3.

Last Nov. 3, the vaccination program was expanded to children aged 12 to 17 years. Vaccinations will soon roll out for children aged 5 to 11 years following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval on Dec. 23, 2021.

Moreover, on Dec. 22, the Department of Health shortened the interval for the administration of booster shots to three months.

“We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and strictly follow health protocols. We also encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated and register for their booster shots,” Chua said.

“With the recent approval of the FDA of vaccinations for 5 to 11-year-olds, and the shortened gap between the second dose and the booster, we expect a more accelerated rollout of our vaccination program to protect more people against the Omicron variant and sustain our recovery in 2022,” he said.