ORTILE, Jessica B.

BICOL UNIVERSITY
College of Business, Economics, and Management

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
“UNEMPLOYMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR PROACTIVE MEASURES”
Unemployment has been a long-standing problem that has affected countries worldwide,
and the Philippines is no exception. Despite the country's sustained economic growth over the
past years, unemployment remains a significant issue that has hindered the country's economic
and social development. The high unemployment rate has led to poverty, social unrest, and
political instability, making it a crucial issue that requires immediate attention. Therefore, taking
proactive measures to address unemployment is necessary to improve the lives of Filipinos and
enhance the country's economic prospects. The problem of unemployment in the Philippines is
a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address it effectively. The lack
of job opportunities, low wages and poor working conditions, and inadequate education and
skills training are among the primary causes of unemployment in the country. The government
must address these challenges by implementing policies and programs that can create more job
openings, improve working conditions, and equip Filipinos with the necessary skills and
knowledge required to thrive in the job market.
In this paper, we will explore the root causes of unemployment in the Philippines and propose
pragmatic solutions to address this pressing issue. We will discuss the government's role in
creating an enabling environment that fosters economic growth, job creation, and
entrepreneurship. We will also explore the importance of education and skills training in
addressing unemployment and how the government can invest more in these areas to equip
Filipinos with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market.
Lack of Job Opportunities
The lack of job opportunities is one of the primary causes of unemployment in the
Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2022), the unemployment rate
increased to 8.9% in January 2022 from 5.1% in January 2020, indicating a lack of job
opportunities. This figure shows that the job market is not growing at the same pace as the
country's economic growth, indicating a need for more job openings. Consequently, the
government must introduce policies that can create more job openings and encourage
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investment in industries that are vital but have not yet been effectively developed. The Asian
Development Bank's (ADB) report in 2019 stated that the government must focus on developing
industries such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing to create more job
opportunities. The government must also provide incentives for local and foreign investors to
invest in these industries, creating more job openings for Filipinos.
Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions
Low wages and poor working conditions are also a significant factor contributing to
unemployment in the Philippines. Many Filipinos work long hours for meager pay, receive poor
working conditions, and have no job security nor benefits. The International Labor Organization
(ILO) (2019) stated that many Filipino workers receive only the minimum wage, which is often
not enough to meet their basic needs, leading to a lack of motivation by workers. Furthermore,
some workers are not given benefits such as health care, sick leave, and vacation time, which
leads to poor working conditions. ILO (2019) also reported that the prevalence of
contractualization in the country means that many workers have no job security and are not
covered by labor laws. To address these issues, the government must implement labor laws,
such as minimum-wage laws, that ensure workers receive a fair wage and better working
conditions. The government must also provide incentives for companies that provide benefits
such as health care, sick leave, and vacation time to their workers. By providing workers with
job security, fair pay, and benefits, the government can increase motivation and productivity,
leading to economic growth.
Inadequate Education and Skills Training
Inadequate education and skills training worsen the problem of unemployment in the
Philippines. Many Filipinos are unable to find employment opportunities because they lack
critical qualifications or skills. The ADB's report in 2019 stated that a significant number of
Filipino workers lack the necessary qualifications and skills required for the job market. The
government must invest more in education and skills training programs, public universities, and
vocational schools to equip Filipinos with the adequate knowledge and skills required to excel in
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the job market. The government must also provide incentives for companies that provide
on-the-job training for their workers, ensuring they have the necessary skills required for the job.
Conclusion
The high unemployment rate in the Philippines is a significant problem that needs to be
addressed urgently. The government must introduce proactive measures that can create more
job openings, improve working conditions, and invest more in education and skills training
programs. By doing so, the government will not only combat unemployment but also stimulate
economic growth and development, promoting a generally positive impact on the lives of all
Filipinos. Addressing unemployment is crucial to improve the lives of Filipinos and enhance the
country's economic prospect.
References:
1. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Employment Situation in January 2022. Retrieved from
https://psa.gov.ph/content/employment-situation-january-2022-final-results
2. Asian Development Bank. (2019). Philippines: Addressing the Employment Challenge
through Education and Training. Retrieved from
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/489251/philippines-employment-challenge-edu
cation-training.pdf
3. International Labor Organization. (2019). Country Brief: Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---sro-manila/documents/publicat
ion/wcms_729967.pdf

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BICOL UNIVERSITY

College of Business, Economics, and Management

“UNEMPLOYMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR PROACTIVE MEASURES”

Lack of Job Opportunities

Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions

Inadequate Education and Skills Training

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