MikeLigalig.com

Philippines Underemployment Rate Drops
by Alice V. Sicat

According to the last quarter report of the National Statistics Office (NSO), the underemployment rate slightly dipped to 19.1 percent in October 2011 from the 19.6 percent in October 2010.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. said this could be attributed to the higher quality of jobs generated in the different sectors last year.

For example, some jobs in call centers require engineering or medical expertise and not only call-and-answer skills as many presume, Paderanga said.

This year, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is expected to continue to be major job provider in the country. At the same time, the tourism sector will be given priority as it can generate jobs that require various level of skills.

Agro-industrial processing and other allied industries will be intensified, especially for those living in the rural areas, so they will no longer have to transfer to the cities to look for jobs, he said.

Paderanga said that in the previous years, most of the available jobs targeted individuals with higher education and skills. This year, they are planning to produce jobs that would require lower skills and training which will be offered throughout the country.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also work hand-in-hand with different government agencies to conduct livelihood and skills training.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=45252.0