The World Bank said the quality of jobs, particularly for Filipino youth, remained a concern in the country despite strong rebound of the economy from the prolonged pandemic. In a report released on Wednesday, March 22, the Washington-based multilateral institution said that over 60 percent of the youth population—ages between 15 and 24— still remained out of the labor force in the Philippines. In 2022, youth employment remained low whereas overall labor market indicators recovered to pre-pandemic level. “The Philippines needs to create more and better jobs for young people to enable the country to regain the vibrant labor market it enjoyed pre-pandemic,” according to the “The Philippine Jobs Report: Shaping a Better Future for the Filipino Workforce.” Prior to the pandemic, the country sustained an average economic growth rate above six percent. The Philippines also experienced faster growth in more productive jobs and an increase in real wages, which led to poverty reduction. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has reversed some of the progress, with high productivity employment lost and low-paying occupations filling the void. “The youth group was disproportionately affected by the pandemic shock on the labor market, and the scarring effect may stay long after the economic activities return,” Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for Philippines said. “While conducive business environment policies will encourage quality job creation in the private sector, more targeted approaches to address youth challenges are urgently needed,” he added. The report noted the potential role of modernizing labor regulations, strengthening the management of international migration, and investing in skills in emerging green and digital sectors, to boost youth employment. “Active labor market programs including measures like skills training, job search assistance, wage subsidies, public works programs, and entrepreneurship promotion should be further strengthened,” Yoonyoung Cho, World Bank senior economist said. “These can be complemented by modernizing labor regulations through simplifying labor rules and providing guidance on flexible forms of work arrangement; expanding social insurance; and modernizing inspection and compliance verification systems through digital tools,” Cho said. In the Philippines, the report said there are several areas where policies can enhance the country’s chances of benefitting from these trends, including operationalizing the Philippines Green Jobs Act of 2016. The law provides relevant incentives for firms engaged in green activities and generating green jobs; targeted skills development for youth incorporating green and digital skills; economic zones for green and digital job creation; and social protection for the digital workforce.