President Marcos has signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act which aims to address the skills gap in the labor force and forge a more adaptable, future-ready workforce.

In a speech during a ceremonial signing of the measure in Malacañan, the President expressed confidence that the country’s workforce will improve as the EBET Framework Act will strengthen the workforce by focusing on upskilling and development.

"I’m happy to note that our employment and unemployment rates improved in the past three months. With this law, I’m confident that we will be able to sustain and further improve these numbers," he said on Thursday, Nov. 7.

"By establishing a framework on career advancement and industry-relevant skills, this law directly addresses the issues of the lack of formal training and skill mismatches, ensuring that every Filipino can contribute and benefit from our nation’s growth," he added.

According to Marcos, the EBET will provide Filipino workers with accessible, relevant skills training that bridges individuals’ capabilities with industry demands.

"By opening pathways to professional growth, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship, we are answering the call for quality employment and fostering a globally competitive workforce," he said.

President Marcos believes the law will strengthen partnerships with the private sector "to align our training programs with real-world industry needs."

"The private sector will play a crucial role in ensuring that our workforce is properly equipped with the right skills to meet the demands of the industry," he said.

EBET Framework Act

Marcos explained that the EBET Framework Act harmonizes various approaches, including apprenticeship, leadership, and dual training systems under one cohesive structure designed with inclusivity.

He added the EBET will target foundational and mid-level skills, providing participants with practical training that prepares them for immediate employment and preparing workers for opportunities within just six months.

President Marcos said the signing of the EBET Framework Act into law would lay a stronger foundation for a workforce that is agile, skilled, and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

It complements the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act by "synergizing the government’s efforts" in solving unemployment and underemployment in the country, enhancing individual career prospects and progression, driving national growth and development, competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability in a rapidly evolving global market. 

Labor Force

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) on Wednesday, reflecting positive employment and unemployment trends under the Marcos administration.

The latest LFS showed that the employment rate in the Philippines rose to 96.3 percent in September this year, up from 95.5 percent in the same period in 2023, representing an additional 2.2 million people employed.

The unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in September this year from 4.5 percent in 2023.

Furthermore, the Labor Force Participation Rate increased to 65.7 percent from 64.0 percent, with significant gains among prime working-age individuals (+1.1 million) and women (+1.2 million).

The female LFPR improved to 55.7 percent, with fewer women citing household duties as a barrier. However, the survey indicated a slight increase in the underemployment rate, rising to 11.9 percent from 10.7 percent in September 2023.