MARCH 12, 2024 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has urged the public, especially stakeholders in the labor sector, to actively participate in the public consultations for the formulation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan, following the completion of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
[Related: Passage of Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act to further PH development agenda—NEDA]
“Our next task is to develop the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, which will serve as the country’s master plan for generating employment and creating high-quality jobs. We encourage our partners in government, the private sector, employees’ and employers’ organizations, informal sector workers, and other vulnerable groups to actively participate in the upcoming consultations for the development of this master plan,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said during the ceremonial signing of the TPB IRR today (March 12) at the NEDA Central Office.
The TPB Act mandates the creation of a master plan for national employment generation focused on increasing both the number and quality of employment opportunities in the country, as well as enhancing the employability of Filipinos.
Prior to the ceremonial signing, NEDA conducted a public consultation for the development of the final IRR. During this process, representatives from employees, employers, the informal sector, and vulnerable groups provided their inputs and comments.
“Last September 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, an important piece of legislation that aims to increase the income-earning ability of our fellow Filipinos by boosting employability, improving the quality of employment, and establishing shared labor market governance,” Balisacan said.
Balisacan also emphasized that the TPB Plan will be able to address issues to achieve inclusive and quality employment. The results of the January 2024 Labor Force Survey revealed that several factors affected labor market participation. These factors include women’s return to household duties as more employers gradually transition back to on-site work arrangements, age-related restrictions, permanent disabilities, and schooling.
“Our pursuit of policies will be adaptive to the responsibilities of female workers and the evolving work landscape, with a focus on supporting vulnerable sectors, including those in the creative industry,” stated the government’s chief economic planner.
The IRR will be available in the Official Gazette within 15 days from its signing. On the other hand, the TPB Plan is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
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