YOUNG Filipino workers are increasingly gravitating toward flexible work arrangements and digitally driven careers, reflecting a major shift in employment preferences, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“This is the dynamic shift we are seeing in the youth workforce,” said DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres during the launch of the ‘Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN’ project.

“Young people are no longer looking for just any job. They want meaningful work aligned with global trends—tech-based roles, flexible work setups, and jobs that support sustainability,” she explained.

To support this demand, Torres said the government is aligning employment and training strategies to prepare young workers for the future, especially in the digital and green sectors.

“DOLE is committed to equipping our youth with the right skills and opportunities in fast-evolving industries,” she added.

As of April 2025, the youth labor force numbered 6.415 million with an 88.5% employment rate—figures that, according to Torres, underscore the importance of investing in future-ready skills.

The project supports Southeast Asia’s transition to sustainable construction while enhancing youth employability, backed by the International Labour Organization and the Korea Partnership Programme.

“We must invest in young people’s skills to build a more sustainable and inclusive future,” said ILO Philippines Director Khalid Hassan during the launch.

The program is expected to play a key role in upskilling young workers and fostering regional cooperation in the development of green and digital jobs.