The Philippine’s unemployment rate fell for a consecutive month to 3.7% in September 2024, translating to approximately 1.89 million Filipinos. This figure is lower than the 4% reported in August 2024, and 4.5% recorded in September 2023. An increased employment rate of 96.3% was seen in September 2024, up from 96% in the previous month and 95.5% in the previous year. However, the underemployment rate, representing those seeking more work hours or a second job, rose to 11.9%.

In response to this, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the government is focused on addressing the issues impacting quality job creation. The government also intends to collaborate with the private sector to equip workers with relevant skills. A 10-year roadmap, dubbed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan, is projected for finalization by the end of 2024. The plan aims to incentivize investments in priority sectors, enhance the employability of the current workforce, and boost labor market governance.

Most employed persons engage in service-sector jobs (62.8%), with agriculture and industry following behind with 19.9% and 17.4% respectively. The administration and support services subsector noted a substantial workforce increase in September 2024. In contrast, the accommodation and food service sector, as well as agriculture and forestry, noted reductions in their workforce numbers over the same period.

While dealing with the unemployment scenario is critical, reaching the relevant authorities for support can be a daunting task. For those navigating unemployment in California, accessing resources such as the Employment Development Department (EDD) can be a vital lifeline. To ease the process, it can be beneficial to visit eddcaller.com for guidance on the fastest way to get through to edd. It provides necessary information to speak with a representative, know the EDD’s operations, or get support for job displacement issues. Understanding when to contact EDD and how to navigate their system effectively ensures you’re not left behind in the race for employment.