The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed disappointment at the sudden increase in the unemployment rate, while those who have jobs are still seeking additional work because what they earn is not sufficient.
In a statement, the TUCP said that while employment numbers remain high at 95.2% or 44.63 million, the labor group observed that unemployment increased to 4.8%, translating to 2.27 million, while stubborn double-digit underemployment ballooned to 15.9%, translating to 7.10 million.
“The double-digit underemployment precisely underscores His Excellency President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.’s directive to key government agencies that much needs to be done to provide more and better jobs to the millions who either have no job at all as well as to those who have a job yet are still seeking additional because of low pay and rising cost of basic commodities,” TUCP Vice President Luis Corral said.
“A heroic all-of-society response is needed not just to restore or create jobs but to enhance job quality,” he said.
He said the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), which defines the proportion of the total labor force to the total household population 15 years and over, has decreased significantly to 60.1% in July 2023 from 66.1% last month.
“The decreasing LFPR confirms the deepening problem of poor quality of jobs such that workers are already working double-time or even triple-time to survive while applicants are already growing frustrated in their job search, and instead focusing on household duties, going back to school, or worst, already becoming discouraged from the current offerings in the job market,” Corral said.
He said they are looking forward to the full implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) 2023-2028 to ensure decent work is front and center in our economic recovery and growth strategies.
“What we encourage in the LEP is the urgent need for DOLE to go beyond mere job facilitation, such as job fairs, but the government must be at the forefront of uplifting the lives of millions trapped in poverty through decent work for all,” Corral added.