DTI: Unemployment rate improves at 6.4%

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday, May 4, that the unemployment rate in the country improved at 6.4% as more businesses resumed operations.

In the May 4 Laging handa briefing, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency continues to intensify investment promotion roadshows as they aim to reach an unemployment rate of 5%.

“Tulad nung isang linggo nasa US po tayo talking to several investors doon, investments promotion, kinukuwento natin ‘yung Pilipinas ay magandang investment destination ngayon,” Lopez said.

He stressed that some important sectors allowing 100% foreign equity participation will “attract more investments that will translate [to] more jobs.”

Aside from investment promotions, Lopez said that through DTI efforts with the Create Act, Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and the Ease of Doing Business, the Philippines will attract more investors.

“Yung Create Act na nagpababa ng corporate income tax rate at nagpaganda pa ng incentive schemes so ito mag-a-attract ng maraming investors,” Lopez said.

“’Yung mga effort din natin sa ease of doing business ina-automate, ini-streamline ‘yung mga government transactions hopefully ito mag-translate sa mas marami pang investment,” he added.

Lopez also assured the continuity of the department’s efforts up to the next administration as all of the presidentiables, aspiring leaders and senators are pro-job creations. VC/gb

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