DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reported an increase in the country’s employment rate--from 95.5 percent in January 2024 to 95.7 percent in January this year-- as job opportunities continue to expand.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma on Thursday, Mar. 6, credited the growth to stronger labor force participation alongside steady job creation and a decline in underemployment.

The labor force participation, he said, rose to 63.9 percent from 61.1 percent.

He said the services sector remained the largest employer, accounting for 61.6 percent of total jobs, while agriculture, forestry, trade, and accommodation services also posted gains.

The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent from 4.5 percent, while underemployment declined to 13.3 percent from 13.7 percent, signaling sustained labor market stability.

However, despite these gains, approximately 2.16 million individuals remained unemployed, highlighting the ongoing need for more inclusive and diverse job creation efforts.

Women’s labor force participation increased to 52.9 percent from 49.3 percent, reflecting continued efforts to advance gender equality and economic inclusion.

Certain sectors, such as manufacturing, professional services, and construction, continue to face employment challenges, requiring targeted interventions to address specific industry needs.

To sustain labor market gains, DOLE is enhancing job-matching efforts through nationwide job fairs, expanding digital employment services, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with financial and training assistance programs.

New regulations on the employment of foreign nationals, including the Economic Needs Test (ENT) and the Understudy Training Program, aim to strengthen opportunities for Filipino workers.

Collaborations with private job platforms seek to improve labor market information sharing and expand youth employability programs.

The implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act is expected to align workforce skills with industry demands, address job mismatches, and enhance economic competitiveness.

DOLE reaffirmed its commitment to generating quality jobs, supporting underemployed workers, and adapting to labor market shifts to ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth.