Conditions and Solutions of the unemployment rate in the Philippines

Raise awareness in:

 Generating more job opportunities.
In April 2023, the Philippines saw a decrease in the unemployment rate, which stood at 4.5%,
down from 5.7% during the same month the previous year. This follows a January 2023 rate
of 4.8%. In terms of the actual number of people without jobs, there were approximately 2.26
million unemployed individuals in April 2023, representing a drop of 506,200 from the 2.76
million recorded in April 2022.

As of June 2023, the unemployment rate was at 4.5%, affecting around 2.33 million Filipinos.
This is a slight increase compared to May, when the rate was 4.3%, impacting about 2.17
million people. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that this figure is an improvement when
compared to June of the previous year when the unemployment rate was much higher at 6%,
affecting roughly 2.99 million jobless Filipinos.

Moving to August 2023, the country's unemployment rate further decreased to 4.4% from
5.3% in the same month the previous year. In the preceding month, the unemployment rate
was at 4.8%. In terms of the number of unemployed Filipinos aged 15 and over, there were
approximately 2.21 million in August 2023.

Every year, there are aspiring fresh graduates from the education sector that are a one step
closer into being a part of the country’s workforce, after earning their degrees, certifications,
and licenses. The governement must ensure that there are jobs available for these emerging
young professionals. Failing to do so could potentially lead to a rise in the country’s
unemployment rate.

When individuals have the opportunity to work, they can earn a regular income, which, in
return, improves their financial situation and lowers the chances of them facing poverty. This
not only improves the quality of life for those employed but also bolsters overall social
stability, as financially secure individuals are more likely to contribute positively to their
communities and societies.

Links:
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/labor-force-survey/node/1684061252
https://www.pna.gov.ph/opinion/pieces/734-generating-job-opportunities-to-counter-
unemployment
https://psa.gov.ph/content/unemployment-rate-april-2023-estimated-45-percent

 Realistic and Achievable Job Standards

As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the unemployment rate in the
Philippines rose up to 4.5% in June, resulting in 2.3 million Filipinos without jobs. Several
factors contribute to this unemployment issue, includes limited educational opportunities,
gender bias, lack of work experience, interview difficulties, disability, and unrealistic job
demands. In the Philippines, job application criteria are often stringent, leaving many
Filipinos the choice to work for overseas as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Even if the skills and information needed for the work can be acquired through a variety of
educational backgrounds or real-world experience, some employers specify highly specific
educational requirements and insist on candidates holding a certain degree. Philippines often
demands an excessive number of years of experience; it is not uncommon to find job listings
for fresh graduates that require 3–5 years of experience, therefore leaving fresh graduates out
of contention. Raising public awareness about the consequences of unreasonable job
requirements. Promote fair and inclusive hiring practices through media campaigns and
educational programs.
Links:
https://medium.com/@almischasalvador/breaking-down-barriers-addressing-unemployment-
and-unreasonable-job-requirements-in-the-8beb2557aa6e

 Counselling and Seminars for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Links:
https://ijecm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6914.pdf