By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of embracing digital transformation and learning new competencies, especially among the Filipino workforce, to help drive national growth.
During the Job Fair + Skills E-Hub at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the President stressed that aside from landing a job that matches their skillset, workers also need to undergo upskilling to adapt to the demands of technology.
“Bakit natin napapag-usapan lagi ang upskilling? Dahil ang trabaho ngayon ay mabilis ang pagbabago at ang mga pangangailangan ng marurunong na gawin ang trabahong ‘yan. Tayong lahat ay nararamdaman natin ang bilis ng takbo at ng progreso ng teknolohiya,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive cited the government’s collaboration with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) which has so far produced over 5,000 job fairs, reached 1.3 million job seekers, and helped at least 200,000 individuals get hired on the spot since 2023.
“In these times, when many Filipinos are having a hard time finding employment that matches their skills, their interests, and their aspirations, we recognize that this is our responsibility to ensure that assistance is something that meets them wherever they are,” he said.
“Kaya po nandito tayo ngayon upang gawing mas madali, abot-kamay, at makabuluhan ang pagkakataong maghanap ng trabaho, madagdagan ang kasanayan, at magsimula ang kabuhayan,” he added.
Through the large-scale job fair and digital upskilling event, Marcos encouraged job seekers to equip themselves with new skills to keep pace with the fast-changing global workforce.
“The global workforce is changing very, very quickly—but I believe the Filipino will keep pace, even lead, when given the right support and the right opportunities,” he said.
The President assured that the administration will continue to work on improving the country’s business climate to generate more jobs and attract more investments both local and international.
“Be assured this administration will continue to create a fair, transparent, and enabling business environment—one that encourages both local and foreign investments, and rewards persistence with progress.”
Meanwhile, Marcos announced the release of financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to qualified beneficiaries under the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.
DOLE also awarded subsidies for five micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Adjustment Measures Program as well as distributed 19 sacks of rice to several rice retailers.
“We hope that government assistance will help you grow your businesses, improving enterprise viability, competitiveness and productivity,” he said.
The Job Fair + Skills E-Hub is an initiative by the Office of the President in partnership with the PSAC, DOLE, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and SM Supermalls.
The job fair, which was carried out simultaneously in nine areas nationwide, coincided with the DOLE’s 92nd founding anniversary.
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