DOLE chief prioritises future-ready workforce, expands focus on Philippines youth employability

The Philippines' newly appointed Labor Secretary, Francis N. Tolentino, has pledged to strengthen youth employability initiatives and prepare young Filipinos for emerging industries, placing future-focused skills development at the centre of the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) agenda.

Speaking as he formally assumed leadership of the department, Tolentino said workforce development efforts must align with the changing nature of work and the demands of future industries.

"We expect to do something for the youth. I have been saying this: the training that should be provided to the youth should not be for the jobs of yesterday, but for the jobs of the future. We need to train our young people for the jobs of tomorrow," he said.

Key for youth employment initiative

 

Central to the department's strategy is the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), a government initiative that provides short-term employment opportunities to financially disadvantaged students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or at-risk workers.

The program allows beneficiaries to earn income during school breaks while gaining practical workplace experience and developing employability skills that can support long-term career growth.

According to DOLE, 31,646 young Filipinos have benefited from SPES in 2026, underscoring the program's continued role in helping students finance their education while preparing for workforce participation.

A total of PHP 848.2 million has been allocated for the initiative this year.

Addressing skills gaps and unemployment

 

The department said the program supports the administration's broader efforts under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and address persistent skills mismatches among young jobseekers.

Most SPES beneficiaries this year have been employed in the education, accommodation and food services, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture sectors.

DOLE said the initiative not only provides financial assistance but also helps participants develop workplace competencies, leadership capabilities, and career readiness skills that can improve their long-term employment prospects.

As the labour market continues to evolve amid technological change and shifting industry demands, Tolentino said youth employment and future-ready skills development will remain a priority, with programs such as SPES playing a critical role in preparing the next generation of Filipino workers for sustainable careers.