MANILA — With a fresh batch of graduates adding to this year’s number of jobseekers in the country, Vice President Leni Robredo underscored on Wednesday the importance of cross-sector collaboration in solving issues in the fast-changing world of employment.
In her speech at the 39th National Conference of Employers in Pasay City, Robredo said employment issues should not be addressed by the government but also by other sectors including “private companies, civil society and local government units have different assets to offer” in providing employment solutions.
Robredo said most employment opportunities are not maximized in the country because of lack of appropriate training and a mismatch between the skills developed in workers and the demand in the market.
She said there should be a “conversation” among industry leader to ensure that “demand and supply are in sync”.
Apart from collaboration, Robredo tackled the importance of research and development in improving the status of employment nationwide.
Robredo cited that in 2017, the Philippines ranked 73rd out of 167 countries in the global innovation index and 95th in human capital and research pillar based on the country’s gross expenditure in research and development.
“Only 0.14 percent was allocated to research and development…It is important because it opens to many doors of progress not only in terms of physical technology but also knowledge sharing,” she said.
Robredo called on every industry to incorporate science as it can contribute to improving systems productivity of workers.
“For example, sustainable agricultural practices can help farmers, microfinance strategies can help business owners,” she said. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
