28 Sept 2023 – Marcos signs Trabaho Para sa Bayan law

Alexis Romero – The Philippine Star
September 28, 2023 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has signed into law a national employment master plan that aims to solve unemployment, jobs-skills mismatch and other labor market challenges as well as boost workers’ competitiveness.

“With the passage of this law, we are opening a new chapter in our country, where there are enough quality jobs for everyone,” Marcos said during the signing ceremony at Malacañang yesterday.

Republic Act 11962 or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Act aims to improve Filipinos’ employability and competitiveness through upskilling and reskilling initiatives and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises and other industry stakeholders.

Marcos described the law as a “significant milestone towards the sustainable and inclusive development” of the Philippines.

The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council led by the secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will be established, tasked with formulating a master plan for employment generation and recovery.

The council is expected to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the employment status and labor market in the Philippines, ensure the effective use of resources, harmonize and complement all employment efforts.

It will also assist local government units in planning, devising and implementing employment generation and recovery plans and programs and ensure that they are aligned with the master plan.

The law would also provide incentives to employers, industry stakeholders and private partners who will facilitate skills development, technology transfer and knowledge sharing among businesses and workers.

Marcos instructed NEDA and the Department of Labor and Employment to harmonize the Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan to ensure that all state efforts and resources would be effectively and efficiently managed.

NEDA supports the TPB Act, noting that the law “contributes to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.”

“With the passage of the TPB, this will facilitate stronger coordination and partnership among relevant agencies and stakeholders for the efficient implementation of employment programs,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. –  Mayen Jaymalin, Louella Desiderio, Cecille Suerte Felipe