Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the uptick in the country’s unemployment rate, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva expressed optimism that more job opportunities will be available for Filipinos in the coming years.

Villanueva, in a statement issued Thursday, said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s initiatives could pave the way for more job opportunities in the future.

“While the dip in our employment rate is unfortunate, we believe that the country has big prospects in the coming years, especially from the pledges for big ticket investments from the President’s efforts,” said Villanueva.

The Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that the country’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.5 percent in June from 4.3 percent in May. 

Villanueva said several factors contribute to the rise in the country’s jobless rate, among which are the following:

• seasonality of jobs
• climate change
• global trends

“This is the primary reason why we are pushing for a comprehensive national employment master plan to synergize and harmonize labor and employment policies with our economic policies,” Villanueva added. 

In May 2023, Senate Bill No. 2035, otherwise known as Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, was unanimously approved on the third and final reading

The measure seeks to establish a national employment generation and recovery master plan, which is seen to “stimulate national and local economic growth, enhance industry collaboration, and provide support to workers and businesses.”

Villanueva, one of the senators who filed the measure, said President Marcos “gave assurance” that he would sign the measure as soon as it reaches Malacañang. 

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 gsg/abc