Malacañang said the government will not prevent young Filipinos from pursuing employment opportunities abroad despite concerns about the potential impact on the country’s workforce supply.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration will continue strengthening upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure Filipinos remain globally competitive, whether they choose to work in the Philippines or overseas.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Education to ensure that young Filipinos acquire appropriate skills and qualifications to prevent job mismatches.
She also emphasized the economic contributions of overseas Filipino workers, saying their earnings benefit not only their families but also the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, the government aims to attract more investors and generate additional employment opportunities that match the skills and qualifications of Filipino workers.
The Palace maintained that young Filipinos should have the freedom to pursue overseas employment while the government continues developing their skills and expanding opportunities in the domestic labor market.
The administration’s initiatives are intended to improve workforce competitiveness and address the need for qualified workers in different industries, both locally and internationally.