THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment has launched updated youth employability modules to improve job readiness and offer greater opportunities to vulnerable groups.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma also highlighted recent legislative measures such as the CREATE MORE Act and the Enterprise-based Education and Training Framework Act, which are designed to enhance workforce training and address employment challenges.

DOLE reported a significant improvement in the country’s employment rate, which reached 96.8% in November 2024. The report also noted a decrease in both unemployment and underemployment rates, with unemployment falling from 3.6% in 2023 to 3.2%, and underemployment dropping from 11.7% to 10.8%.

Laguesma attributed these gains to government initiatives aimed at job creation and workforce development, including upskilling and reskilling programs in partnership with the private sector.

However, the official acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly with the rise of technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and climate change, which continue to impact labor force participation—especially among youth and women. Youth participation declined from 6.92 million in November 2023 to 6.516 million in 2024, and women’s participation fell from 55.4% to 53.9%.