With easing restrictions and changing trends,
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees the increase in the active participation of the labor force with the latest reported Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) at 63.8 percent from 60.5 percent from the previous month.
The DOLE said that this is the most likely scenario as restrictions eased up and due to changing trends.
The number translates to 48.61 million Filipinos geared to return to the labor market from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOLE said in a statement.
The virtually unchanged employment and unemployment rates may still be attributed to the alert level classifications throughout the month for most of the country.
Discussions on further easing of the alert level classification in the National Capital Region (NCR) was the highlight of the month as the NCR prepared for the de-escalation of alert levels. Travel restrictions for foreign travelers have been lifted, promising a boom in the tourism sector’s recovery.
Also, election campaign kicked off the same day as fieldwork for the latest Labor Force Survey began in February 8, where DOLE sees an increase in labor demand from election spending. Continuous monitoring on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, on the other hand, have also been undertaken, specifically on its effects on crude price where majority of the economic sectors heavily depend, the statement further read.
Continued government programs shall service the Filipino workers, the DOLE said, as tourism enterprises may continue to benefit from accreditation assistance in time for the eased restrictions in welcoming foreign travelers.
These and other pre-existing services that are part of the government’s National Employment Recovery Strategy to help resuscitate the labor market adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.