POPCOM: Gov’t must prioritize jobs for rising number of employable Filipinos

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) on Wednesday said the government should prioritize providing jobs for the rising number of employable Filipinos to revitalize an economy still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2020 Census of Population and Housing, out of 109,035,343 individuals, more than half—or 69.40 million—are within the 15 to 64 years old working-age bracket.

“To fully tap this significant quantity of workers, the national government needs to provide steady streams of quality jobs, while capacitating them appropriately so that they can acquire needed skills by industries,” said POPCOM Officer in Charge-Executive Director Lolito R. Tacardon, during Population and Development (POPDEV) Week.

“This should be a priority; otherwise, we might miss the chance to hasten the country’s socio-economic growth to further improve the quality of life of every Filipino," he added.

Tacardon said that the rise in the number of productive Filipinos is a result of collective efforts in decreasing the levels of fertility and mortality nationwide, which reflects "the effective implementation of POPDEV programs, such as family planning."

He further discussed the United Nations Population Fund's position that falling fertility levels can create opportunities for countries to realize economic growth resulting from an increase in the number of people of working age, and a decrease in the number of dependents.

Tacardon said the country is fortunate to have an almost 70-million strong work-ready citizenry.

"...POPCOM’s interim chief echoed the UN’s position on inclusivity by tapping segments of the population that could be gainfully employed, including the disabled, immigrants, and the elderly," POPCOM said.

Tacardon noted that this large pool of potential Filipino workers requires more available jobs. He urged the private sector, as well national and local leaders, to set policies and provide programs that can capture the benefit of having a larger work force and equal opportunities for both sexes should be considered.

"This, as the labor force-participation rate, according to PSA in August 2022, is still higher among men than women at 76.2 percent and 55.9 percent, respectively."

He called on the current administration to exert supplementary efforts in investing nation’s human and physical capital by channeling resources on health, education, infrastructure and technology, which can help our country further boost productivity.

“This demographic opportunity can be a key factor to achieve the country’s higher socio-economic objectives. It is rare, and we cannot afford to miss it," he added.

POPDEV Week is celebrated annually from November 23 to 29 to establish the significant relationship between population dynamics and overall development. This year’s observance focuses on ways the growing number of the country’s labor force will be instrumental in contributing to the nation’s sustainable progress. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News