DOLE Assistant Secretary Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. said the country’s employment rate has consistently improved over the past three years—from over 94 percent in 2022 to more than 95 percent in 2023 and exceeding 96 percent in 2024.
He attributed the steady growth to the department’s intensified collaboration with national agencies and local government units in expanding employment access and support services nationwide.
Among DOLE’s flagship initiatives was the Labor Day job fair held on May 1, which drew more than 30,000 applicants and led to over 5,000 immediate hires.
More than 200,000 job vacancies were made available by over 2,000 employers from priority sectors including manufacturing, food services, agribusiness, and creative industries.
Local government units, through the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), were recognized for organizing regular job fairs throughout the year, helping bring employment opportunities closer to communities.
While not all applicants were hired on the spot, Patriwirawan said DOLE continues to assist “near-hires” by monitoring their recruitment progress and offering support until employment is secured.
To enhance job readiness, DOLE also implements the Career Development Support Program, which provides training to improve core competencies and increase employability.
The agency encouraged jobseekers to register at www.fieldjobnet.com.ph, the government’s official job-matching platform, to explore employment opportunities and connect with potential employers.