The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) helped place more than 1.4 million qualified jobseekers in 2026, reporting a placement rate of 91.72% as the government steps up efforts to link skills development with employment opportunities.
The figures were announced during the 26th National PESO Congress, joined by PESOs and other stakeholders to strengthen local employment services and improve access to jobs across the country.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for stronger coordination between national and local governments to expand employment opportunities.
He also said he had directed DOLE, the Department of Education, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to align training programmes with labour market requirements.
The aim is to better prepare Filipino workers for available and emerging jobs by strengthening the link between education, skills development and employer demand.
PESOs play a frontline role in implementing these employment initiatives at the local level. They connect jobseekers with employers through programmes such as the TRABAHO AGAD job fairs and provide labour market information to help address skills mismatches.
Labour Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said employment facilitation requires the active participation of local government units and communities, rather than relying solely on national and regional authorities.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen PESOs that have yet to be fully institutionalised, noting their role in identifying local workforce capabilities, employer requirements and employment gaps.
The congress focuses on improving job matching, aligning skills development with labour market demand and establishing clearer pathways from education and training to employment.
Discussions include the use of labour market intelligence in digital transformation, collaboration between PESOs and job placement offices, lifelong learning and initiatives to improve youth employability.
DOLE expands TUPAD programme to support sustainable employment
Alongside the congress, Marcos launched seven flagship initiatives under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) programme, which provides employment assistance to disadvantaged workers.
Under Department Order No. 239-E, Series of 2026, DOLE is seeking to move the programme beyond short-term employment outputs and help beneficiaries transition to more sustainable jobs and livelihood opportunities.
The seven initiatives are SkillPass, Tropa Negosyo Trabaho, Sagip-Trabaho, KaHANAP, Match Fund LGU, Tulong-Aral and Trabahong-Dagat.
The initiatives form part of the government's efforts to strengthen employment pathways through skills development, job matching and livelihood support.
Central Visayas minimum wages increase
Marcos also highlighted wage increases in Central Visayas, including an additional ₱42 in the daily minimum wage for covered private-sector workers and a ₱500 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers.
The measures are intended to improve earnings for workers and their families amid the government's broader employment and livelihood initiatives.