Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz sees a brighter employment situation in the country in 2011 as the economy is expected to remain bullish and capable of achieving the targeted 1.1 million additional jobs for workers this year, a government press release said.

At this year's first flag-raising ceremony at the DOLE in Intramuros, Manila, Baldoz said that the National Economic Development Authority's projection of seven to eight percent economic growth this year will generate 1.1 million new jobs, the annual target in job generation that would enable the country to make a dent in unemployment.

To prepare the workers to take advantage of the projected economic growth, Baldoz directed the DOLE regional directors to identify and focus on priority programs that they should implement in their respective regions this year, the press release said.

Baldoz said that through social dialogs which the DOLE had conducted since the start of President Benigno Aquino III's administration, the social partners, including the non-traditional organizations which have joined dialogues under the DOLE's inclusive approach, have expressed willingness to pursue collective efforts not only in ensuring industrial peace but also in implementing other specific measures that would further boost the economy and alleviate poverty as well.

She also said that the social partners' willingness to focus on economic growth and poverty alleviation will also cement the status of the country as Asia's industrial peace hub since 2007 when it started achieving an annual one-digit strike level.

Baldoz stressed that even as the DOLE will prioritize employment facilitation efforts, it will continue its programs aimed at projecting workers' rights and providing safety nets for vulnerable sectors.

"All these programs will be strengthened to enhance the Filipino workers' capability to remain productive and competitive," Baldoz said.*PNA

back to top