DEPDev urges climate, skills push to future-proof jobs

The Philippine government must strengthen climate resilience and workforce agility to secure the country’s labor market amid rising economic vulnerabilities, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

This recommendation follows a labor market slowdown in July 2025, driven by extreme weather events that disrupted key sectors and displaced workers nationwide.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that unemployment rose to 5.3% in July 2025, compared to 4.7% in the same month last year.

Underemployment also climbed to 14.8%, up from 12.1% in July 2024, reflecting a growing number of workers seeking better job quality or additional hours.

Significant job losses were recorded in agriculture and forestry (-1.4 million), fishing and aquaculture (-173,000), and wholesale and retail trade (-897,000).

The employment declines were linked to widespread flooding, landslides, and halted economic activity caused by multiple tropical cyclones and an intensified southwest monsoon.

The Luzon region was especially affected, with recurring class and work suspensions triggered by unsafe travel conditions and damaged infrastructure.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan called for strategic policy shifts to rebuild climate-resilient and productivity-driven agriculture systems.

“This must be complemented by expanded rural infrastructure, improved digital connectivity, and increased access to training opportunities,” Balisacan said.

The government is also fast-tracking the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, a 10-year national labor market blueprint designed to create a more responsive and inclusive employment ecosystem.

Balisacan emphasized that the plan’s success depends on investments in high-value sectors, updated training programs aligned with emerging industries, and modern work arrangements that balance flexibility with security.

“The latest employment figures underscore the urgency of modernizing our economic sectors to withstand disruptions, whether from climate change or technological shifts,” he said.

Balisacan added that DEPDev is committed to expanding labor market interventions and engaging stakeholders to strengthen the country’s employment framework.

He also underlined the need to reduce the school-to-work transition period and equip young Filipinos with relevant skills through targeted youth employment initiatives.

Programs such as the Government Internship Program, JobStart, and the Special Program for Employment of Students are central to improving youth employability, Balisacan said.