Marcos signs ‘Trabaho’ Act into law to craft job generation masterplan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed into law Republic Act No. 11962 or the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act” into law to address unemployment, underemployment, and other challenges in the country’s labor sector.

“I am very pleased to stand before you today at this ceremonial signing of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, a significant milestone towards the sustainable and inclusive development of our country,” the President said.

“The law will help us solve the various challenges plaguing our labor sector such as low-quality jobs, skills mismatch, and underemployment among others,” he added.

The law aims to boost the employability and competitiveness of the labor market and support micro, small, and medium enterprises and industry stakeholders.

An interagency council to craft a masterplan for employment generation and recovery would be created, led by National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

The council will be co-chaired by the secretaries of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the enactment into law of crucial measure demonstrates the unwavering dedication of the administration to the welfare and prosperity of Filipinos.

“The Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Act underscores our government’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and progress for all Filipinos. It is a testament to the President’s vision that a prosperous and thriving nation can only be built on the foundation of gainful employment and economic stability,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the law was a fulfilment of the Philippines’ commitment to the International Labor Organization’s Employment Policy Convention, which calls for an active employment policy to be pursued as a major macroeconomic goal.

Balisacan said the inter-agency council will also assist local government units in planning, devising, and implementing employment generation and recovery plans and programs.

“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,” Balisacan said.

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