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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Better jobs for Pinoys? We will make it come true, says Romualdez

Better jobs for Pinoys? We will make it come true, says Romualdez

Published Jul 9, 2025 01:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez--the top contender for the House Speakership in the 20th Congress--vowed to support President Marcos' economic agenda through legislation that would attract more investments to the country and create better jobs.
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez--the top contender for the House Speakership in the 20th Congress--vowed to support President Marcos' economic agenda through legislation that would attract more investments to the country and create better jobs.
"Nais nating tuparin ang mga pangarap ng ating mga kababayan na mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ito ang tungkulin ng Kongreso bilang mga kinatawan nila (We want Filipinos' dreams of providing their loved ones a good life come true)," Romualdez said Wednesday, July 9.
He said connecting workers to employers, reskilling those who want to build their own businesses, and aligning labor priorities with future job markets would be central to his own legislative agenda.
He has guaranteed a thorough review on the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to ensure that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are adequately funded to deliver job readiness measures and livelihood programs.
Romualdez, who sat as the House Speaker in the previous 19th Congress, championed the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, which brought hundreds of government programs directly to Filipino communities. These included job fairs, livelihood grants, and micro-enterprise support.
“Strong economic growth is only possible if no Filipino is left behind. We must make every opportunity—from skills training to dignified employment—within reach of every hardworking citizen,” he said.
He credited the Marcos administration's steady push for job creation as reflected in the latest Labor Force Survey, which showed a consistent decline in unemployment.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of unemployed Filipinos dropped to 2.03 million in May from 2.06 million in April.
This brought the unemployment rate down from 4.1 percent to 3.9 percent. He said it was a tangible gain in just one month.
The PSA also reported an increase in employment to 52.32 million in May 2025, up from 50.74 million in April and 50.97 million in the same period last year.
He says that the steady improvement in employment figures sends a clear message: President Marcos' programs are working effectively.
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