The Philippines has been facing a persistent problem of unemployment and underemployment, with the official unemployment rate remaining at around 5-6% in recent years. The government has implemented various policies to address this issue, but the impact of these policies on job creation has been mixed.
One of the key policy areas that the government has focused on is infrastructure development. The “Build, Build, Build” program, launched in 2017, aims to accelerate infrastructure development in the country, with a focus on transportation, power, water, and tourism infrastructure. The program is expected to generate jobs in the construction and related industries, as well as boost economic growth in the long run. However, the program has been criticized for its slow implementation and lack of transparency, which has led to delays and cost overruns.
Another policy area that the government has focused on is foreign investment promotion. The government has been actively promoting the Philippines as an attractive destination for foreign investment, with a focus on industries such as information technology, business process outsourcing, and renewable energy. These industries have been growing rapidly in recent years, and have been a major source of job creation. However, the benefits of these industries have not been evenly distributed, with a majority of the jobs going to highly-skilled workers in urban areas, while many rural and low-skilled workers have been left behind.
The government has also implemented various programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are a major source of job creation in the country. These programs include access to credit, technical assistance, and tax incentives. However, these programs have been criticized for being poorly implemented and not reaching their intended beneficiaries.
In addition, the Philippines has also been facing problem with the lack of job security, as well as low wages and poor working conditions. The government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions.
Overall, government policies have had a mixed impact on job creation in the Philippines. While some policies, such as infrastructure development and foreign investment promotion, have the potential to generate jobs, they have been hampered by poor implementation and lack of transparency. Additionally, policies to support SMEs and protect workers’ rights have not been effective in addressing the country’s unemployment and underemployment problem. The government needs to take a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to job creation, addressing not only the supply side of the labor market but also the demand side, by stimulating economic growth, creating an environment that is conducive to businesses, and protecting workers’ rights.
