HOUSE Committee on Labor and Employment Chairperson and Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla lauded the latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report showing a significant drop in the country’s unemployment rate — from 5.3 percent in July to 3.9 percent in August — describing it as a clear reflection of the nation’s steadily expanding economy and improving labor market under the Marcos administration.
Revilla said the latest figures highlight the resilience of Filipino workers and reflect the positive impact of the government’s sustained efforts to generate jobs and strengthen economic recovery.
“Ang pagbaba ng unemployment rate ay patunay na bumabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya. Mas maraming kababayan natin ang muling nagkakaroon ng trabaho—at iyan ang gusto nating marinig: trabaho para sa lahat, at trabaho na may dignidad,” Revilla said.
The Cavite lawmaker noted that the decline translates to around 1.1 million more Filipinos now gainfully employed, proof that recent reforms and public investments are starting to yield results. However, he emphasized that the challenge now is to ensure job security, fair pay, and safe working conditions for all workers.
“Habang bumababa ang bilang ng walang trabaho, kailangan din nating siguraduhin na dekalidad, ligtas, at may sapat na benepisyo ang mga trabaho. Hindi lang basta employment, kundi decent employment,” he added.
As Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, Revilla has been at the forefront of advancing policies that promote workers’ welfare and equitable growth. He recently announced the implementation of the new wage order in CALABARZON, which grants a ₱30 to ₱60 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners—helping bridge the pay gap between Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
He has likewise pushed for key legislative measures such as the elimination of contractualization (“endo”), the strengthening of occupational safety standards, and the expansion of skills training and job-matching programs to equip Filipino workers for the demands of a modern and digital economy.
“Ang ating layunin ay hindi lamang dagdagan ang bilang ng may trabaho, kundi tulungan ang bawat manggagawa na umasenso. Kaya’t patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang mga sektor na lumilikha ng oportunidad—mula agrikultura hanggang teknolohiya,” Revilla said.
Revilla also reaffirmed his commitment to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through legislative and oversight initiatives such as institutionalizing OFW Lounges in airports, ensuring greater access to the AKSYON Fund, and strengthening repatriation and reintegration programs.
“Ang mga OFW ay bayani ng ating bayan. Sa bawat remittance nila, may pamilyang Pilipinong umaangat. Kaya tungkulin nating siguruhin na ligtas sila sa pang-aabuso at may malinaw na landas sa pag-uwi at pagbangon,” he said.
The Cavite representative vowed that the House Labor Committee will continue working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local governments, and the private sector to expand job creation under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. He encouraged LGUs to intensify job fairs, livelihood programs, and local training initiatives to sustain employment growth across the regions.
“Ang tunay na sukatan ng progreso ay hindi lang kung gaano karami ang may trabaho, kundi kung gaano kaganda ang kalidad ng kanilang trabaho. Kapag may maayos na sahod, seguridad, at benepisyo, mas lalong lumalakas ang ating mga pamilya at komunidad,” Revilla said.
About the Author
