By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) welcomed the decline in unemployment and underemployment rates, describing it as a positive development but underscoring the need to sustain efforts to address remaining challenges.
“The decrease in the number of jobless Filipinos to 1.66 million, along with a reduction in underemployment to 10.8 percent, highlights our collective efforts to create more job opportunities for our growing workforce,” Estrada said.
“While this is a positive development, our efforts must continue. It is essential to address the remaining challenges to ensure that a greater number of Filipino workers are afforded secure and dignified employment opportunities,” he added.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the number of unemployed individuals aged 15 and above dropped to 1.66 million in November 2024, down from 1.97 million in October 2024. The underemployment rate also fell to 10.8% in November, compared to 12.6% in October 2023.
Estrada expressed hope that more Filipinos will secure jobs this year, particularly with the allocation of over ₱1 trillion in the 2025 national budget for infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Umaasa ako na mas marami pa tayong kababayan ang mabibigyan ng trabaho ngayong taon lalo na’t may nakalaan na mahigit P1 trillion na pondo sa DPWH para sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno sa ilalim ng 2025 national budget,” Estrada said.
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