MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang stated that young Filipinos should be free to pursue overseas employment opportunities, despite concerns regarding the potential impact on the domestic labor pool.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 4, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed that the administration will not obstruct the youth from looking for better career prospects abroad.
“Unang-una ang mga kabataan na nagnanais magtrabaho sa ibang bansa ay hindi natin dapat mapigilan,” Castro said.
Castro explained that workforce mobility drives the government’s focus on upskilling and reskilling initiatives. These programs are designed to enhance global competitiveness and ensure workers possess relevant competencies regardless of whether they choose local or international employment.
She noted that job mismatches are currently linked to a projected 10% reduction in the country’s gross domestic product.
To address these challenges, President Marcos has directed the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Education to reinforce training programs so young workers are better equipped for market demands.
“Kung sila man po ay mag-a-abroad hindi po masasabing, hindi na sila maaasahan kung anuman ang kikitain nila abroad, ito naman po ay makakatulong sa kanilang pamilya, sa kanilang pangangailangan, pati na po sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa,” Castro added.
Addressing concerns that overseas employment might erode the country’s demographic advantage from having a young population, Castro maintained that international work will not appeal to everyone and that certain skill sets align better with foreign markets.
“Hindi naman lahat lalabas ng bansa, may mga pagkakataon na iyong mga kabataan natin ang kanilang kagalingan ay mas naaangkop sa ibang bansa,” she stated.
While ongoing efforts are being made to attract foreign investments and generate localized jobs that match Filipino qualifications, Castro emphasized that the government will continue refining workforce capabilities rather than hindering individuals from seeking international opportunities.
“Pero habang ito ay pinupunan ng gobyerno para mas marami pang mag-invest dito sa atin sa Pilipinas at magkaroon ng mga trabaho na talagang magma-match ang kanilang kagalingan, hindi natin pipigilan ang ating mga kabataan at lalo pa nating pagagalingin ang ating mga kababayan para kung nais nilang makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa, ito ay kanilang mapapakinabangan,” Castro concluded.