Ensuring ease of doing business (EODB) in the country and strengthening collaboration with the private sector are crucial measures in securing the country's job market against current challenges, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Tuesday, July 9.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma addressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to government agencies to manage the challenges and opportunities brought about by artificial intelligence in the market.
"Nauunawaan namin na ang paglikha ng trabaho ay pangunahing nagmumula sa pribadong sektor, dahil dito, ang pangunahing responsibilidad ng pamahalaan ay magtatag ng isang kaaya-ayang kapaligiran na nagtataguyod ng pamumuhunan at pagpapalawak ng negosyo (We understand that job creation primarily comes from the private sector, therefore, the government's main responsibility is to create an enabling environment that fosters investment and business expansion)," Laguesma said.
He emphasized the significance of consistency in policies to attract a larger number of investors.
"The situation is always changing. You've already invested, and now you have another problem. You haven't even started, and your expenses have already increased. That's what our President wants to address," he added.
Last month, the government unveiled the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) plan at the first-ever National Employment Summit.
The TPB is a 10-year roadmap that will act as the national guide to increased job creation and recovery.
"Ang pahayag nito ay tumutukoy sa pagtatatag ng mataas na kalidad at napapanatiling kabuhayan. Ang pagbabawas ng saklaw ng ating kahirapan ay maaaring matugunan sa pamamagitan ng pagbuo ng mas maraming oportunidad sa trabaho, at ang pagkakaloob ng mga serbisyo ay dapat na higit na kasama. Ang paglago ng ating ekonomiya ay dapat tumagos sa lahat ng antas ng ating lipunan (Its mission is to create high-quality, long-term livelihoods. Creating additional employment possibilities and making service delivery more inclusive can help to reduce the occurrence of poverty. The expansion of our economy must influence all levels of our society)," Laguesma said.
The TPB is anticipated to contribute to the creation of a minimum of 3 million new jobs by 2028.
Based on data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Laguesma reported that the President's overseas visits are expected to result in investment commitments that will create an extra 200,000 job opportunities.
He said the DOLE is making every possible effort to equip the youth for the workforce by implementing initiatives like the Government Internship Program and the Special Program of Employment for Students.
Employers should deal with wage distortion
The DOLE chief also said that it is the duty of employers to make necessary adjustments to ensure that the wage disparity is upheld.
This comes after the National Capital Region wage board approved a P35 increase in daily compensation for the region's private sector workers.
Laguesma said this is crucial for improving employee morale.
“May itinatag na proseso. Maaari ka na ngayong makisali sa pag-uusap. Naiintindihan nila ang kahalagahan ng correction ng distortion. Matagal ka nang nagtatrabaho, inabutan ka na ng minimum wage earners. Kailangang gumawa ng mga pagsasaayos ang mga employer upang mapanatili ang isang makatwirang agwat sa sahod (There is an established process. You may now engage in conversation. They understand the importance of correcting distortion. You have been working for so long and yet the minimum wage earners have caught up on you in terms of salary. The employers need to make adjustments to uphold a reasonable wage gap)," the DOLE chief added.
On the other hand, Laguesma pointed out that in the event that the parties fail to come to a consensus, they have the option to send a formal letter to the DOLE.
“Sa kaso ng hindi pagkakasundo, mayroon silang opsyon na makipag-ugnayan sa DOLE. Mayroon kaming magagamit na Single Entry Approach (SEnA). Kung mayroong anumang mga alalahanin, ang isang pulong ay naka-iskedyul, na ang talakayan ay isinasagawa sa isang magalang at sibil na paraan. Ang paghahain ng pormal na reklamo ay hindi kailangan sa oras na ito (In case of disagreement, they have the option to reach out to DOLE. We have the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) available. If there are any concerns, a meeting will be scheduled, with the discussion conducted in a respectful and civil manner. Filing a formal complaint is not necessary at this point)," he said.