Philippines

Philippines Representative:

Mrs. Ayza Q. Figuro

Head -Office of Career Services
University of Asia and the Pacific
Philippines@AsiaPacificCDA.org

February 2026 Philippines Report

Since late 2025, the Philippine labor market has faced a “mixed-signal” recovery. While the traditional holiday hiring boost was dampened by severe weather disruptions, underemployment reached historic lows, and the market is now shifting toward high-value tech and “AI-hybrid” roles in early 2026.

Key Statistics (Nov 2025 – Feb 2026)

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released its latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) results on February 6, 2026:

Indicator

Nov 2025

Dec 2025

Trend Analysis

Unemployment

4.4%

Higher than 2024 due to typhoons/manufacturing dips.

Underemployment

10.4%

8.0%

Historical low; indicates higher quality of current jobs.

Youth Jobless Rate

11.7%

12.2%

Rising; a major focus for DOLE in early 2026.

  • Unemployment Rate: Held steady at 4.4% in December 2025 (matching November 2024), but notably higher than the 3.1% recorded in December 2024. Roughly 2.26 million Filipinos were jobless at year- end.
  • Underemployment Rate: A major highlight—this rate plummeted to 8.0% in December 2025, the lowest recorded since April 2005. This suggests that while fewer people are finding jobs, those who are employed are working more hours or finding more stable, full-time work.
  • Labor Force Participation: Remained at approximately 64.4% in December, showing a slight month-on- month increase as more people entered the market for the new year.

Major Industry Trends

The labor landscape is currently defined by a tug-of-war between traditional sectors and digital growth:

  • Weather Disruptions: The usual “ber-month” hiring boom (Nov–Dec) was weaker than expected due to Typhoons Tinio and Uwan. These storms significantly impacted on the agriculture, retail, and logistics sectors, causing widespread temporary job losses.
  • Manufacturing Slump: The electronics and semiconductor industry (a key export driver) reported a loss of over 100,000 jobs year-on-year in late 2025, reflecting global supply chain shifts and cooling demand.
  • High-Value BPO & Tech: In 2026, the BPO sector is moving away from “voice-only” roles. There is a surging demand for Cybersecurity, Cloud Architects, and Data Analysts. Remote and hybrid work continue to be the standard for global roles based in Manila and Cebu.

AI Integration: A “quality over quantity” hiring trend has emerged. Companies are looking for “AI- hybrid” professionals who can use AI to drive strategic financial or operational impact, rather than just performing transactional tasks.

Government & Policy Updates

    • The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched this initiative to intensify regional job fairs and strengthen the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) to bridge the gap between fresh graduates and employers.
    • Youth Employment Focus: With youth unemployment rising to 12.2% in December 2025, the government has expanded the JobStart Philippines program and the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), doubling participant capacity to address the influx of fresh graduates.
    • TUPAD Mobilization: Following the late 2025 typhoons, DOLE disbursed over P800 million in emergency wages via the TUPAD program to assist displaced workers in disaster-hit regions like Bicol and Visayas- area.

In addition to the labor market shifts, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) released its landmark final report in late January 2026. Titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026–2035),” the report serves as a diagnostic “emergency alert” for the Philippine education system, directly linking the current “learning crisis” to the high rates of graduate underemployment.

The “Proficiency Collapse” and Basic Education

The report highlights a staggering decline in student mastery as they progress through the system. Only 30.5%

of students are proficient by Grade 3, and this collapses to just 0.40% by Grade 12.

  • End to “Mass Promotion”: EDCOM II calls for an immediate end to the culture of passing students who have not mastered the required skills. This includes phasing out the grade transmutation policy, which has historically inflated failing raw scores to a passing 75%.
  • Academic Recovery: The report mandates the full implementation of the ARAL (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning) Program, which uses 440,000 tutors to help 6.7 million learners catch up on foundational literacy and numeracy.
  • Teacher Specialization: A major shift in teaching practice involves fixing “teacher mismatch.” Currently, many teachers handle subjects outside their expertise; the plan aims to reduce this misalignment by 33% annually starting in 2026.

Higher Education: Moving Beyond “Diploma Mil

In higher education, the commission found a significant “competence imbalance” where graduates hold degrees but lack the specific skills required by modern employers.

  • Curriculum Agility: EDCOM II noted that some university curricula are only updated every 11 years, making them obsolete in a fast-moving tech economy. The report demands faster cycles and closer collaboration with the private sector.
  • Quality Control: The report states also a vow to crackdown on “graduate degrees for sale” and low- quality programs that prioritize enrollment numbers over actual student readiness.
  • Industry Alignment: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are being pushed to adopt “work-integrated learning,” ensuring that internships and practicums are more than just administrative hours and provide real-world technical training.

Vocational & TVET: The “Work-Ready” Standard

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is tasked with shifting away from low-level certifications toward high-value, high-tech skills.

  • TESDA Standards in SHS: The report recommends that 100% of Senior High Schools in the tech-voc track must comply with TESDA training standards by 2035 to ensure graduates are actually employable upon graduation.
  • Micro-credentialing: There is a move toward short-term, industry-recognized “badges” or certifications that allow workers to upskill quickly for roles in AI, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The Link to Employment (NatPlan 2026-2035)

The NatPlan is designed to bridge the gap between the “supply” (graduates) and “demand” (industry).

  • The 11% Readiness Gap: The report cited a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) survey showing that only 11% of entry-level hires in manufacturing were considered “fully ready” by their employers.
  • Workforce Goals: The plan sets a target to create 12 million new jobs by 2028 and increase the “Economic Value Added” of the workforce by P13 trillion. It emphasizes that education must be measured by employment outcomes, not just graduation rates.

References and Resources

  • BusinessWorld – “Philippine jobless rate climbs despite holiday hiring” (Jan 2026).
  • Philstar – “2.26 million Filipinos unemployed in December 2025” (Feb 6, 2026).
  • Robert Walters 2026 Salary Survey – “Hiring Trends in the Philippines.”
  • EDCOM II Final Report: “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026-2035)” (Submitted to the Senate on Jan 27, 2026).
  • Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8: Formally adopting the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (Adopted Feb 3, 2026).
  • Philippine News Agency (PNA): “Senate adopts 10-year education plan” (Feb 3, 2026).

GMA News Online: “National Education Plan calls for end to mass promotion” (Jan 26, 2026).

November 2025 Philippines Report

Theme 1: National Decent Work, Social Protection, and Economic Roadmaps

The Philippines’ concerted efforts, often in partnership with the UN and ILO, to establish comprehensive frameworks for social protection and decent employment for all workers.

The Philippines is advancing its Global Accelerator (GA) on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions Roadmap. Through national and regional consultations with government, workers, and employers across sectors (like construction, transport, and the informal economy), the country is aligning priorities to build a resilient, inclusive future of work and expand social protection.

The country officially validated its roadmap, marking a pivotal commitment to creating decent work and expanding social protection as part of its development strategy and response to global challenges.

The ILO launched pilot training for its Social Protection Guide for Informal Sector Workers with local governments. This initiative equips community leaders to help informal workers, such as waste collectors and farmers, access essential social security benefits and build resilience against economic shocks and climate disasters.

Theme 2: Strengthening Freedom of Association, Labor Rights, and Tripartism

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and ILO piloted a Freedom of Association (FOA) Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme. The goal is to build a pool of advocates who can spread knowledge and application of FOA principles, labor rights, and remedies across sectors, incorporating a focus on related issues like climate change and migration.

The Philippines unveiled a new comprehensive Freedom of Association training resource to strengthen the implementation of fundamental rights. This step is part of the country’s commitment to address recommendations from the 2023 ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission regarding alleged violations of trade union rights, reinforcing social dialogue and democratic institutions.

Employer representatives from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) received specialized capacity-building training. This initiative aims to enhance their skills in negotiation and advocacy to ensure regional wage decisions are evidence-based, balancing economic realities and productivity with fair outcomes for both enterprises and workers.

Theme 3: Digital Transformation, AI, and Sustainable Enterprises (ESG / Circular Economy)

The ILO partnered with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to launch “Elevate. Sustain. Grow” to support businesses in meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. The program includes an AI-powered tool called NaviGate to provide enterprises with real-time access to labor standards and compliance resources.

The ILO’s Digital-PINAS program is pioneering a model to transform the coconut industry using Artificial Intelligence and circular economy principles. The goal is to maximize the value of the coconut (beyond low-value copra) to create high-value products, foster entrepreneurship, and position areas like Siargao as models for climate-resilient, digitally enabled island economies.

The ILO’s Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Programme integrated AI into its training for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This aims to empower SMEs with low-cost digital tools to boost productivity, innovation, and workplace cooperation, emphasizing that AI is used to empower workers, not replace them.

Theme 4: Sectoral Interventions and Climate Change Resilience

The Philippines convened its first National Industry Dialogue on Decent Work in Aquaculture to boost the sector’s competitiveness while tackling serious issues like informality, low incomes, child labor, and limited social protection. The dialogue unveiled pioneering research to guide policy in creating a responsible and sustainable supply chain.

Success stories within the aquaculture sector demonstrate that promoting responsible practices and decent work can lead to positive business outcomes, such as securing jobs and helping to double shrimp production.

An ILO brief for the ASEAN region warns that climate change is a major driver of migration, increasing the vulnerability of migrant workers. It calls for a “just transition” that integrates climate change into migration and labor policies, prioritizing decent work, fair recruitment, and inclusive social protection to build resilience.

The severe impacts of climate change on the Philippine economy and agriculture sector include significant annual GDP losses, threats to food security (e.g., declining rice yields and fish catch potential), water scarcity, and public health risks. It highlights the urgent need for policy reforms and investment in climate change adaptation.

February 2024 Philippines Report

1. Served as Key Informant on Market Assessment for Career Guidance in the Philippines. Interview conducted by the International Labour Organization (September 2023)

2. Department of Education:

  • Pilot Implementation of  the Matatag Curriculum 
    • Decongested curriculum; 
    • focus on foundational skills; 
    • balanced cognitive demands; 
    • clearer articulation of 21st-century skills; 
    • reduced learning areas; 
    • intensified Values Education and Peace Education, 
    • at par with international standards
  • Edukasyong Pantahan at Pangkabuhayan/Technology and Livelihood Education Program (Grades 4-10)
    • provide guidance for learners on the career path to take such as post-secondary education/higher education, entrepreneurship, middle-level skills development, and employment
    • Life and career skills (flexibility and adaptability, self-discipline, future orientation, resilience and adversity management and leadership skills)




  • Development Workshop for the Career Progression Professional Development (CPPD) Curriculum and Courses
    • Training for teachers conducted by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines

3. Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (National Economic and Development Authority)

  • Subchapter 2.2 Improve Education and Lifelong Learning
  • Outcome 2: Globally competitive and inclusive TVET and higher education, and improved research output attained for a broader knowledge economy
  • Outcome 3: Governance for human capital development improved
    • Design a higher education career system
  • Increase Income-Earning Ability
    • Outcome 2: Access to employment opportunities expanded
      • Outcome 3: Shared labor market governance achieved

4. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

  • Focus on transformative jobs under ‘Bagong Pilipinas’
    • calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government, and fosters the State’s commitment towards the attainment of comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery.

5. Career Development Association of the Philippines (CDAP) Conference -March 7-8, 2024)

6. Association of Placement Practitioners of Colleges and Universities (APPCU)

  • Functional Career Services: The Right Fit – October 27, 2023

As a response, APCDA can:

  • have an alignment meeting along with other APCDA Philippine leaders
  • plan for possible collaborations to support career development plans by government and career organizations
  • plan for expansion of APCDA presence and increase and support member needs

April 2023 Philippines Report

Situationer:

  • Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 – National Economic and Development Authority (Recent data on economic and labor market performance indicate a robust and sustained recovery, especially with the reopening of the economy and strong consumer demand. However, foremost among our challenges this year is the relatively high level of inflation) 

https://neda.gov.ph/statement-of-neda-secretary-arsenio-m-balisacan-on-the-creation-of-the-inter-agency-committee-on-inflation-and-market-outlook/ 

  • Goals and targets of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (https://pdp.neda.gov.ph/philippine-development-plan-2023-2028/)
  • Create more, better, and more resilient jobs. By 2028, the unemployment rate shall be within 4.0 to 5.0 percent, and the percentage of wage and salary workers in private establishments to total employed shall be within 53 to 55 percent.
  • Transform the production sectors through innovation. The Philippines aims to continue its progress among the innovation achievers of the region by ranking higher and within the top 33 percent of the Global Competitiveness Index by 2028.
  • Key Themes: Digitalization, Servification, Dynamic Innovation Ecosystem, Enhanced Connectivity, Greater collaboration between local and national government, partnership with the private sector

https://pdp.neda.gov.ph/philippine-development-plan-2023-2028/

Release of Department Order No. 237 (Department of Labor and Employment) on the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11165 Otherwise Known as the Telecommuting Act”

https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/department-order-no-237-22-revised-implementing-rules-and-regulations-of-ra-no-11165-otherwise-known-as-the-telecommuting-act/ Career Development Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CDAP) and Association of Placement Practitioners of Colleges and Universities (APPCUI) joint workshop on Innovating Student Career Journeys – April 13, 2023 Jobstreet Survey (hiring and recruitment site) https://mb.com.ph/2023/01/21/jobstreet-ph-reveals-top-10-jobs-and-industries-to-apply-for-in-2023/

  • The top 10 specializations are Customer Service, Finance–General/Cost Accounting, IT/Computer–Software, Clerical/Administrative Support, Human Resources, Marketing/Business Development, Education, Sales – Retail/General, Banking/Financial Services, and Sales – Corporate.
  • JobStreet recently reported that the job market is back to the pre-pandemic level as more and more companies are gradually opening opportunities for jobseekers.
  • The top 10 in-demand roles that have the highest job posts recently are Customer Service Representative, Teacher, Administration Officer, Call Center Operator, Nurse, Software Engineer, Team Leader, Business Analyst, Sales Associate, and Engineer
  • Industries with the most hirings: Call Center/IT-Enabled Services/BPO, Human Resources Management/Consulting, Education, Retail/Merchandise, Government/Defence, Computer/IT-Software, Manufacturing/Production, Electrical & Electronics, Banking/Financial Services, and Construction/Building/Engineering
  • Recommendations: Competition among talents is tougher, so jobseekers are encouraged to learn new skills and tools, rehearse for interviews, and put their best foot forward.

Implications:

  • The economy and labor market shows a sustained recovery with challenges related to inflation.
  • The released Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 aims to create resilient jobs and transform production sectors through innovation.
  • Focus on skills acquisition and retooling for jobseekers.
  • Innovations on career development programs at universities and colleges to prepare students for the evolving job market including training on job hunting.
  • Consideration for necessary skills for telecommuting jobs
  • Career development organizations can identify key strategic areas in relation to these new directions and challenges including
    • digitalizing career services,
    • effective communication and interpersonal skills,
    • supporting clients doing telecommuting work,
    • job search strategies in the now normal,
    • inclusive career development services and practices,
    • financial literacy and management.
  • Given these changes and innovations, some of the possible research areas that can be explored would be:
    • The impact of digitalization on job opportunities and employment
    • The effectiveness of telecommuting work in the now normal
    • The impact of the pandemic on the Philippine job market and the prospects of recovery

November 2022 Philippines Report

SITUATION

  • Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum Order 2022-0433 on “Updated Guidelines on the Minimum Public Health Standards for the Continued Safe Reopening of Institutions” – September 13, 2022
  • Voluntary wearing of face mask in open spaces and non-crowded areas with good ventilation. However, immunocompromised, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks. Face masks shall continue to be worn in enclosed spaces
  • Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the management of emerging infectious diseases “Resolution number 168 Series of 2022” -posted September 23, 2022
  • Foreign nationals may enter the Philippines provided they comply with the applicable visa requirements and immigration entry and departure formalities; are fully vaccinated except only for minor children below 12 years of age traveling with their fully-vaccinated foreign parents
  • Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 034 Series of 2022 “School calendar and activities for the school year 2022-2023” – July 11, 2022
  • Starting November 2, 2022 all public and private schools shall have transitioned to 5 days in person classes.
  • Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Order No. 02 Series of 2022 “Guidelines on the implementation of return to collegiate athletic competitions (R-CAC) during the Covid-19 Pandemic”
  • Career Development Association of the Philippines (CDAP) had the online conference with the theme Transforming Career Development Approaches: Adapting to Current Realities
  • Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) had their face-to-face conference at Boracay Island, Aklan with the theme Coming Together for Recalibrated Self-care and Renewed Wellbeing.

Implications

  • Gradual resumption of face to face activities in schools, universities and communities
  • Ease of doing business and holding of events and conferences
  • Learning sessions on safe return to school and work would help
  • An appreciation of doing hybrid events or classes

May 2022 Philippines Report

Situationer:

  • Several areas were placed under Alert Level 1
  • Campaign rallies are being held in relation to the upcoming Philippine election on May 9, 2022
  • “There would be possible spikes in COVID19 cases but not as severe as what happened last January”
  • “Subvariants could spread quickly and increase rapidly but infections may drop as fast due to high vaccination rate”
  • “Automation of businesses brings about demand in tech jobs. Digitalization can add P5 trillion to the Philippines annual economic value by 2030”
  • “Importance of digital skill regardless of the profession”
  • APPCU webinar held last March 2022 – “Today’s Placement and Careers Services Office” discussing the issues, risks and challenges of HEIs

Recommendations:

  1. Upgrading skillset by focusing on digital skills
  2. Benchmarking on trends and effective delivery of career services
  3. Trends on employee assistance programs

February 2022 Philippines Report Situationer:

Situationer:

two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate have decreased in Metro Manila

healthcare utilization rates have declined to less than 50 percent, with most persons infected with COVID-19 being quarantined at home instead

Department of Education

  •  commencement of progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes for both public and private schools
  •  schools must be under alert levels 1 and 2

Commission on Higher Education

  •  gradual resumption of classes
  •  Alert level 2 can proceed with face to face classes anytime following government guidelines
  • Medical and nursing students as vaccinators

Reopening the economy

  •  increase of venue capacities from 50% to 70%

II. Recommendations

  • Psychoeducation training programs on safe return to campus activities. Understanding the concept of liminal space.
  • Understanding and focusing career development programs on chaos theory of careers
  • Provision for career training programs for practitioners offering employee assistance programs
  • More topics on dealing with changes brought forth by industry 4.0

References:

  • https://doh.gov.ph/covid19tracker
  • https://www.deped.gov.ph/2022/02/02/on-the-expansion-phase-of-limited-face-to-face-classes/
  • https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/01/12/208439/ched-advisory-limited-in-person-classes-in-heis-under-alert-level-3-raises-eyebrows/
  • https://ched.gov.ph/medical-nursing-students-can-now-be-vaccinators/
  • https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1547424/no-vax-no-ride-policy-lifted-under-alert-level-2-says-ano

November 2021 Philippines Report

Situationer:

  • DOH recorded 30,544 active cases with the majority of the patients exhibiting mild symptoms (18,553; 60.7%) while 1,291 patients are in critical condition (4.2%).
  • 65,764, 376 vaccinated; average daily doses 765, 422
  • Use of alert levels system for COVID19 response
  • Metro Manila under Alert Level 2 beginning November 5, 2021
  • Intrazonal and interzonal movement shall be allowed.
  • Business establishments have increased capacity (maximum 50% indoor; maximum 70% outdoor)
    • Visitor or tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like;
    • Cinemas and movie houses;
    • Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education subject to prior approval of the Office of the President;
    • Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training;
    • Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations administered by their respective government agency, and specialty examinations authorized by the IATF subject to the health and safety guidelines as approved by the IATF;
  • Dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries, subject to DTI sector-specific protocols;
  • Personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology, and other similar procedures including home service options, subject to the sector-specific protocols of the DTI
  • Traffic back to pre-pandemic level
  • Online job fairs
  • Employee Assistance Programs

Recommendations:

  1. Psychoeducation  and training on resiliency and help seeking behaviours as part of the return to school activities
  2. Awareness and upskilling in relation to industry 4.0
  3. Skills gap analysis 

References:

  • DOH Issue 562, November 10, 2021:

August 2021 Philippines Report

COVID 19 Situationer

  • Declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in certain areas due to increasing case of COVID19 and threat of the Delta variant

 https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/07jul/20210805-IATF-131-RRD.pdf

  • As of August 8, 13 million have received their first dose of the vaccine and 11.4 million have been fully vaccinated

 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236727/philippines-coronavirus-covid19-vaccine-rollout/

Situations in schools

  • Some schools have opened their school year this week, still utilizing the online platforms

Work Activities

  • Work from home arrangements are still in place
  • Authorized persons outside residence need to present documents so they can be allowed to pass through

Professional Development

  • There is still high consumption of online learning/training materials/sessions.
  • More presence of international speakers in the learning sessions.

Impact to careers and career educational programs

  • Universities have shifted to online career fairs or job expos
  • Internships are also being done online, is possible
  • Expressed difficulties in finding a job
  • Rise of online content creators

Impact to daily life

  • Online market transactions are the main platform for purchase of things
  • Deliveries of food and other items are mainstream
  • Businesses have transitioned to the use of online mechanisms
  • Rise of social learning groups
  • Presence of mental health advocacies and services
  • Growing interest on online investments and digital currencies
  • Inspiration from athletes in the Tokyo Olympics

Areas of opportunity for career services

  • Training on digital citizenship
  • Training and engagement with international speakers
  • Utilization of online learning groups for transfer of information
  • Use of apps in the delivery of careers services

May 2021 Philippines Report

by Marose Macaraan

COVID 19 Situation

  • National Capital Religion and some nearby areas (NCR plus bubble) were placed on stricter quarantine measures on March 2021-April 2021 due to the surge of cases. This has been lifted recently but border controls are still in place.
  • Curfews were put in place.
  • This affected places of recreation, entertainment, worship, dining and personal care services.

Situations in schools

  • Schools are still utilizing the online mode for the delivery of the classes.

Work Activities

  • Work from home arrangements is still in place.

Professional Development

  • High consumption of online learning/training materials/sessions.

Impact to Careers and Career Educational Programs

  • Universities are gradually shifting to online career fairs or job expos
  • Internships are also being done online, when possible

Impact to daily life

  • Online market transactions are the main platform for purchase of things
  • Deliveries of food and other items are mainstream
  • Businesses have transitioned to the use of online mechanisms
  • Rise of social learning groups

Areas of opportunity career services

  • Retooling and upskilling
  • Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset
  • Utilization of online learning groups for transfer of information

February 2021 Philippines Report

by Marose Macaraan

Philippine COVID Situation

528, 853 – confirmed cases; 10874 deaths (as of Feb3, 2021)

https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/ph

General Community Quarantine is in place in the following areas: National Capital Region, Davao City, Batangas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Tacloban City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Iligan City while Santiago City, Ormoc City and all other areas are placed under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until February 28, 2021 

https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/metro-manila-davao-city-to-remain-gcq-starting-february-1/

The Philippines will receive three million vaccine doses by end of February. The first to be inoculated will be the healthcare workers, government frontliners, uniformed personnel, poor population and other vulnerable sectors of the society. The next jab to be given on the second quarter will be the country’s priority sectors including economic frontliners and laborers such as drivers, food industry workers, social service workers and life support service workers 

https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/philippines-to-receive-three-million-vaccine-doses-by-end-february/

The 4 Pillar Socioeconomic Strategy

https://www.dof.gov.ph/the-4-pillar-socioeconomic-strategy-against-covid-19/)

  • Pillar1: Emergency Support for vulnerable groups
  • Pillar 2: Marshalling resources to fight COVID 19
  • Pillar 3: Monetary actions and other financing support
  • Pillar 4: An economic recovery program to create jobs and sustain growth

https://www.dof.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/We-Will-Rise-As-One-brochure-as-of-Oct-30.pdf

October 2020 Philippine Country Report

by Marose Macaraan

COUNTRY SITUATION

  • 373,144 COVID-19 cases (As of October 27, 2020)
  • DOH emphasized the need for compliance to and proper implementation of national guidelines at the local government level
  • Public transport has been made available
  • Places of worship is allowing 30% capacity
  • Businesses have opened on a limited capacity as well
  • Private schools have online classes, while public schools are using modules
  • Universities are transitioning to online job fairs
  • Some hotel facilities are currently being used for quarantine areas for OFWs
  • With the approval of the mental health law, there has been an increase in usage of EAPs for online counselling. There are more companies now offering EAPS.
  • Continuous increase in consumption of online training and certifications. There is preference for free trainings.
  • Increased collaboration between various organizations offering free trainings.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ACTIVITIES

  • Opportunities for career conversations
  • Collaboration with various career and placement organizations about various topics and career (SFI, CDAP and APPCUI)
  • Collaboration with universities on new trends in career placements activities and services
  • Collaboration with various human resource practitioners on new trends in hiring, recruitment and talent development
  • Collaboration with organizations offering EAPs.
  • Opportunities for training university career practitioners with the new trends (e.g. software, placement programs and systems)
  • Providing information sessions for various career organizations on trends in hiring, recruitment and talent development

IMPLICATIONS

  • Use of platform, budget, marketine

 

 

July 2020 Philippine Country Report

by Marose Macaraan

COUNTRY SITUATION

  • Most of the areas transitioned to general community quarantine
  • Areas where there are more cases remained under the enhanced community quarantine
  • Those GCQ areas shall observe the following:
    • Select workers will be allowed to go out and work in phases
    • Those aged below 21 and above 60, and high health risk individuals shall continue to stay at home
    • Partial opening of non-leisure shops and malls
      • Mandatory temperature check
      • Mandatory wearing of masks
      • Mandatory use of alcohol
    • Resumption of classes in higher education institutions
    • Resumption of priority and essential construction projects
    • Resumption of public transportation at a reduced capacity
    • Curfew for non-workers
    • Continued unhampered movement of goods.

IMPLICATIONS TO LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT: Highlights of the April 2020 Labor Force Survey (June 5, 2020)

  1. Unemployment rate rose to 17.7 percent accounting to 7.3 million unemployed Filipinos in the labor force in April 2020. This is a record high in the unemployment rate reflecting the effects of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) economic shutdown to the Philippine labor market.  Unemployment rate in January 2020 was 5.3 percent while in April 2019, it was recorded at 5.1 percent.
  2. Labor force participation rate among Filipinos 15 years and older is estimated at 55.6 percent in April 2020, the lowest in the history of Philippine labor market.
  3. Employment rate in April 2020 fell to 82.3 percent from 94.7 percent in  January 2020. In April 2019, it is posted at 94.9 percent. This translates to 33.8 million employed persons in April 2020 from 41.8 million in April 2019.
  1. Average number of hours worked per week also fell to 35.0 in April 2020, a drop from 41.8 hours per week in April 2019.
  2. Employed persons with job but not at work is reported at 38.4 percent or 13.0 million of the total employed.
  3. All regions reported double-digit unemployment rates. The highest unemployment rate was in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM) at 29.8 percent. It is followed by Region III (Central Luzon) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with unemployment rates recorded at 27.3 percent and 25.3 percent, respectively.
    • Demand for online professional development training programs
    • More focus on skills development
    • Leniency on license renewals of professionals
    • Up-skilling on use of technology to deliver various services (academe and business sectors)

Singapore’s E2I Learning Visit to Manila

by Carla Siojo

The management team of e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) Singapore, https://e2i.com.sg/, was recently in the Philippines for a planning retreat at the Heritage Hotel, Manila, from July, 17-19, 2019. The Philippine’s Department of Labor and Employment, National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR)’s Senior Labor and Employment Officer, Ryan Delos Reyes, of the Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare Division, conducted one of the management team’s Learning Sessions. Ryan Delos Reyes DOLE-NCR’s Learning Session addressed the employment climate of the Philippines, the government’s strategies to improve employment rate/reduce unemployment rate and the challenges for implementation. His comprehensive presentation also included information about Philippine culture and Filipino values.Overall, Ryan’s Learning Session was informative, engaging, and entertaining! Both a Q&A session and dinner followed; where conversation continued to focus on the employment climate in Manila and its similarities and differences to Singapore’s. In addition to e2i Singapore’s CEO, Gilbert Tan, Deputy CEO, Vicky Wong, and their 22 team leads, Ryan Delos Reyes’ Learning Session participants also included our very own APCDA President, Carla Siojo, as well as APCDA Administrator, Emily Lizada. The photo is of Ryan opening the e2i Singapore Learning Session.

Journey to Meaningful and Purposeful Careers in the Philippines

by Prof. Lucila O. Bance, PhD, RGC, RPsy Country Director for APCDA and Stephanie Anne C. Lu, MA, RPm, RGC Chairperson, Career Services University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas is one of the Model Career Centers in the Philippines (USAID-STRIDE, 2018). With around 45,000 students, the university directs its efforts to realize its overarching objective: empowering Thomasians towards meaningful and purposeful careers. Having meaning and purpose in one’s career is a product of self-discovery, informed decisions and application of one’s strengths and skills. Their Career Services support the Academic Units of the University by providing additional learning experiences that promote students’ self-discovery, encourage exploration of opportunities available to them and assist them in planning and realizing their desired career goals.

Activities are aligned according to the roles of the Career Services team. In terms of Training for Career Services, the team offers the Thomasian the G.U.T.S., Gear-up Tools for Success or ThomGUTS Program. This ThomGUTS Program is a series of career seminars and workshops that run across all year levels with defined career themes, mock interview sessions, online résumé critiquing and the Career Ambassadors Program. Through the variety of ThomGUTS sessions, industry partners as well as alumni leaders in the field are engaged and bring back invaluable insights, tips and information to the students. Topics covered include Thomasian Identity, Career Exploration, Personality Development (e.g. Communication, teamwork and collaboration skills), Job Preparation and Management Skills, as well as Career Leadership. Mock Interview sessions and online résumé critiquing contributes to students’ enhancement of job preparation and confidence-building. The Career Ambassadors Program empowers student volunteers to be leaders in facilitating career activities to their fellow students.

Career Services also serves as one of the windows through which industries can collaborate and build partnerships with the University. Contributing collaborations include Career Fairs, Employer Information Sessions and On-campus recruitment. Career Information is also provided among the students (e.g. job and internship opportunities and online resources and tools).

Fig. 2. Career Services in line with the identified core roles of the Career Services team

Integral to students’ career development is their ability to process their experiences, set goals and overcome concerns that may block their progress. Career Counseling and Coaching, carried out by licensed counselors of the department, assist with experience processing. Career Coaching is a promising tool in promoting mental health in such a way that it focuses on inherent strengths, identification of solutions and expanding vision of oneself through dreams and aspirations.

Throughout all of the activities provided by Career Services, students come to understand that career planning is a lifelong journey wherein curiosity, persistence, flexibility, optimism and risk-taking are key attitudes that will enable them to achieve career success given the ever-changing landscape and transformation of the world of work and careers. Evaluation of the program is getting an overwhelming positive feedback with a good turnout of accumulated data on graduates’ placement.

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Report on Career Development in the Philippines

by Lucila O. Bance

In response to the high incidence of youth unemployment in the country, the government approved a convergent program that aims to address the pressing issue of jobs-skills mismatch. A robust working group (WG) was established to develop an inter-agency Career Advocacy Plan intended to immerse parents and students in the realities of the labor market supplemented by the use of Phil Job Net and Labor Market Information (LMI). The WG consisted of the following: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Additionally, the enhancement of academic-industry linkages has ensured that standards, policies and guidelines set by the government are regularly monitored through accreditation of academic programs for sustained implementation of career programs and services. Aside from the government’s WG for Career Advocacy Plan, professional organizations do their significant part in the career development in the country, such as Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association of the Philippines (PGCA), Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), Career Development Association of the Philippines (CDAP), Association of Placement Practitioners of Colleges and Universities (APPCU) and Integrated Professional Counseling Association of the Philippines (IPCAP).

APPCU

Carla Siojo, MA, APPCU Vice-President

The 10th Anniversary and 8th Annual Convention of APPCU took place at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila on 8-9 March 2018. The event convened placement practitioners, career guidance practitioners, guidance counselors, career guidance advocates from colleges and universities and HR practitioners from industry to increase their knowledge of workforce trends in this era of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Participants were exposed to learning sessions that aimed to hone and develop skills in personal branding, meta-coaching, networking and use of big data in order to efficiently and effectively perform their duties and responsibilities and improve existing career services.

The theme of the Convention, “10 to the Next 10: APPCU Surges Ahead!” affirmed the 10-year old existence of APPCU, and the challenge for the organization to surge forward to the next 10 years! The Convention also affirmed APPCU’s commitment in developing 21st century skills of placement practitioners in order to remain relevant and effective in helping students transition from school to a competitive global workplace and in bridging the gap between the existing jobs and skills mismatch. The event was sponsored by ServeHappy Jobs and Globe Telecom, Inc.

The invited resource speakers from industry and academe for the 2-day event received excellent ratings from the participants. The speakers and topics included: Grace Abella-Zata, President, Corporate Executive Search, Inc., who talked about “Hiring Potential Talents for the Workforce”; Maria Luz C. Vilches, Ph.D., Vice President for the Loyola Schools, Atene de Manila University, who gave “A Response from the Academe on Preparing Potential Talents for the Workforce”; Tisha Rosales, Meta-Coach from BreakFree Workshop gave a plenary workshop on “Harnessing the Power of Corporate Personal Branding”; Julius Paras, Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement and Country Manager of Kalibrr, talked about “Making Big Data Work for You and gave Alumni Engagement Insights from the Ivy League”; Florence T. Ladion, RGC, Financial Consultant and Assistant Unit Manager at Prulife, UK, shared the importance of “Networking as an Art of Establishing Partnerships”; and Marie Geraldine R. Samson, Meta-Coach at BreakFree Workshop shared “The Basics of Meta-Coaching.”

Overall, the Convention was informative, interesting and enriching. The knowledge and best practices shared by the resource speakers inspired the participants to improve their placement and career practice. The Convention also provided an avenue to connect and reconnect with those who work at colleges and universities and facilitate the nation’s young people realizing meaningful employment.

The National Skills Commission’s future market focus: The NSC is developing a range of information, resources and tools to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. It will focus on determining skills shortages and surpluses, assessing the nature of labour market recovery, analysing structural shifts and identifying current Jobs and Education Data Integration or JEDI is aiming to deliver world-leading intelligence on skills needs. By harnessing the best and widest range of labour market, skills and education data available, JEDI can identify what skills from a person’s current or previous employment can transfer to different jobs that use similar skills. It also identifies skill gaps between the different jobs recommended before showing VET courses available to fill the gap. https://www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au/part-2-matching-skills-and-jobs-post-covid-19

Building a Model Counseling and Career Center in the Philippines by USAID STRIDE

Lucila O. Bance, PhD, Director, Counseling and Career Center, University of Santo Tomas

Three years ago, a Model Counseling and Career Center (CCC) in the Philippines was built to address the challenges and meet the needs of the 21st century and the directional goals of the University of Santo Tomas. The development was supported by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development, Science Technology Research for Innovation Development (USAID STRIDE). The strategic landscape, expectations and outlook for Counseling and Career Services evolved at a rapid rate and included the retooling of 43 guidance counselors and 4 staff (1 Office Secretary, 2 Psychometricians and 1 Associate for Career Placement ). The resultant structure is comprised of 2 major sub-units under the CCC: the Counseling Services Unit and the Career Services Unit.

The Counseling Services Unit takes care of ThomRISE (Thomasian Resources for Intensifying Student Empowerment) with programs on: Orientation and Information; Peer Assisted Study Success (PASS); Peer Facilitator Training; Academic Counseling; Personal, Emotional and Social Counseling; and Intervention Programs for Special Groups.

The Career Services Unit takes care of ThomGUTS (Thomasian Gear Up Tools for Success) and ThomCARE (Thomasian Career Readiness and Employment) with programs on: Career Exploration; Career Ambassadors; Career Counseling; Resume Clinic; Career E-Portfolio; CarSem (Career Seminars with Alumni and Industry Component); Life and Career Skills Development; Student Career Placement & Industry Partnerships; Mock Interviews; Career Fairs (On-Site Recruitment & Employers’ Information Sessions); and Networking Sessions. Supported by a Psychological Testing and Assessment Committee, ThomACE (Thomasian Assessment towards Competence and Empowerment) takes care of the following activities: Personality & Skills Assessment and Psychological Testing, Interpretation and Counseling. The center is dedicated to deliver comprehensive and evidence-based counseling and career programs and services in collaboration with educators and administrators as well as engagement and strategic partnerships with business and community stakeholders to ensure students’ academic, personal-social and career success.

The Counseling and Career Center, University of Santo Tomas, is recognized not only in the Philippines but in other countries around the globe. In April 2017, the Center’s services were recognized during APCDA’s annual conference which included representation from 23 countries. In June 2017, the platform was presented at the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy (ICCDPP) held in Korea; with 29 participating countries.

In 2017-2018, USAID STRIDE consultants from William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan spearheaded a career caravan in the strategic areas in the Philippines (Cebu, Legaspi, Davao and Metro Manila) to showcase the roadmap to develop Model Counseling and Career Centers in the Philippines. Along with the all out support of the CCC team and the top administrators of the University of Santo Tomas, led by its Rector, Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., the platform aimed to educate future-ready, Filipino graduates by creating and transforming counseling and career centers for youth, the nation and the global community at large.

The Philippines — a Haven of Festivals

by Aira Leigh C. Bagtas
If you visit the Philippines in spring or summer, you have your choice of “fun in the sun,” or joining festivals or fiestas. Attending these celebrations not only ensures a good time (and a full stomach) but also provides a deeper insight into Philippine culture and traditions.

Ateneans At The Vanguard Of Nation-Building

by Florence Ladion

In 1872, a 12 year old Jose Rizal entered the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now the Ateneo de Manila University) where for the next five years, he was immersed in studies that not only sharpened his intellectual capability but also deepened his love for God and country. Such were, and still are, the strongest attractions of an Ateneo education. For more than 150 years now, the Ateneo de Manila University has remained one of the most prestigious and comprehensive universities in Southeast Asia — participating meaningfully amidst the changing national and global milieus. The Ateneo has been at the vanguard of contributing to nation building. Drawing from the Jesuit tradition of faith, character formation, justice and civic engagement, Ateneans are taught to grow personally and spiritually. They are encouraged to not just think of themselves but also of their communities. “To be men and women for others” is at the core of every Jesuit identity, and ultimately, of every Atenean.

Ateneo’s gentle genius, the late Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, was one of them.

An effective communicator, extraordinary writer and esteemed historian, de la Costa was the first Filipino Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. This remarkable accomplishment was followed with an appointment as General Assistant and Consultor to then Jesuit General Fr. Pedro Arrupe. Yet, what may most be remembered about de la Costa was not his long list of achievements nor his writings, it was that he used his exceptional talents to give glory to God and serve others. He did everything with love, devotion, and service, whether it was writing Light Cavalry (a book about the 400th anniversary of the Society of Jesus) or imparting knowledge to younger Ateneans as a History professor. He was even awarded the Medal of Freedom by the United States government for his role in helping the resistance movement during World War II.

With an education rooted in Ignatian spirituality, it is not surprising to see Ateneans championing the rights of those most vulnerable. Ateneans are change catalysts and who better to personify this than two men who gave up their life fighting for democracy: Edgar Jopson and Evelio Javier.

Javier also graduated from the Ateneo High School with first honors. In 1963, he completed his AB History and Government and went on to study at the Ateneo Law School. As the youngest provincial governor in the Philippines at the time – he was 29 years old – Javier’s passion for service and dedication personified the Ignatian spirit of faith, courage, and justice. At the peak of the snap presidential elections, Javier was killed by hooded gun men. His untimely demise on Feb. 11, 1986 was seen as one of the flames that ignited the 1986 People Power Revolution.

The Ateneo way is a way of oblation. More than harnessing the academic excellence of its students, the Ateneo helps mold future leaders who will be at the forefront of nation building. Noted alumni who contribute through jobs and growth are business tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan (First Pacific), Lourdes Josephine Gotianum (Filinvest Development), Roberto Ongpin (Alphaland Corporation), Alfredo Ramos (National Bookstore), and Tomas Alcantara (Alson Consolidated Resources), to name a few. Young alumni like (Reese Fernandez-Ruiz (Rags2Riches), Mark Ruiz (Hapinoy) and Eleanor Pinugu (Mano Amiga Philippines) are also doing their part in addressing developmental problems through their social enterprises. Fernandez-Ruiz was, in fact, included in Forbes’ 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs for 2015.

The Ateneo is committed to help rebuild the nation and has scaled up efforts through various initiatives. Among such programs are Gawad Kalinga (which helps build homes and communities in depressed areas); Pathways to Higher Education (assists academically-gifted but underprivileged youth from the public school system complete college education); the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (helps improve public basic education through programs); and the Disaster Response and Management team (assists in helping victims of natural calamities).

One hundred forty-four years after our national hero Jose Rizal became an Atenean, the Ateneo de Manila University continues to form men and women who will build knowledge, inspire and empower others, but most especially, use their gifts and talents for the greater glory of God.

Career Development in the Philippines: A Rough Sketch of June 2014 to February 2015

by Carmen Siojo

Individual and group Career Counseling/Consultation (face-to-face and/or online) as well as on-campus recruitment initiatives (e.g. recruitment presentations, pre-employment testing) with Students and Alumni typically take place throughout the year at most universities and colleges in the tertiary level in the Philippines. Most institutions resume classes in June and begin career orientation programs for juniors and seniors in July. Mid-year conventions for the two major career professional organizations take place in August. APPCU is committed to assist in the establishment, growth, and development of functional placement programs of its member schools. More specifically, it seeks to:
  1. enhance the knowledge, competencies, and opportunities for professional development of each member;
  2. make resources and information available to its member schools for the effective and efficient delivery of their placement services;
  3. strengthen linkages among member schools and with partners in the four employment sectors.
In September, employers start doing university roadshows for their flagship recruitment programs. And from fall through December, a series of career panel discussions and networking sessions are scheduled and organized by career field/ industry. The fall, specifically October, also finds employers conducting rounds at the many higher education institutions to filter top teams as university representatives for international marketing competitions. And in December, plans get underway for based career fairs. These fairs are scheduled as week-long events in January. And in February, week-long events include on-campus mock interviews..