Senate President Pro Tempore Jose Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday, July 9 expressed concern over reports the Philippines’ unemployment rate edged lower to 4.1 percent from 4.3 last year.

This translates to about 2.11 million Filipinos that are jobless in May, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Any rise in unemployment is worrying and underscores the pressing need to address underlying challenges,” Estrada said.

“While a drop in underemployment may appear positive initially, the significant decrease suggests potential problems in the labor market. This indicates that there are still people who are finding it difficult to secure adequate or appropriate employment,” the senator said.

In order to address the situation, Estrada, former head of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, said legislators, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders need to develop strategic solutions.

These solutions include creating sustainable and high-quality job opportunities, investing in skills development programs to match the workforce with industry demands, and implementing economic policies that support fair employment practices and job creation, according to the lawmaker.

“Hindi tayo dapat maging kampante. Indikasyon ito na marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nangangailangan ng tulong upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya (We should not be complacent. It’s an indication that many of our people need help to address the needs of their family),” he said.

“Every Filipino deserves the dignity of decent work and the opportunity to contribute to our country’s growth,” the senator stressed.