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Philippines

Strategies for youth employment

Strategies for youth employment
Yes

Youth employment strategy planned in the next 2 years

Discussions within the government
Yes
Consultations with national-level stakeholders (e.g. employers’ and workers’ associations, youth councils, etc.)
Yes
A draft strategy already exists
No
Other (please specify)
Yes

Countries with national action plans for youth employment

Monitoring framework (timeline and activity/outcome indicators, e.g. youth labour market indicators)
Yes
Funding (indicative budget to implement the plan)
Yes
Institutional responsibilities (e.g. ministries/agencies in charge of specific planned activities )
Yes
Other, specify
Yes

Public funding for the national youth employment strategy

Public funding for the national youth employment strategy
Yes

Additional information:
Financial resources for youth employment programs in The Philippines are primarily allocated and managed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Specific details include: • Government Internship Program (GIP) and Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES): Funding is allocated annually through the GAA by the DBM, while the actual implementation is carried out by the respective concerned agencies. • JobsStart Philippines (JSP) and Comprehensive Drivers’ Skills Program (CDSP): Both programs receive their funding through allocations made by the DBM under the GAA. • Future Tech Jobs Awareness and Access (FTJAA): Although there is no dedicated budget allocated specifically to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for FTJAA implementation, funding for capacity building, development, and dissemination of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials is sourced from other related DOLE programs. • This funding framework ensures that while budget allocation is centralized through the DBM, program implementation and management are decentralized to the relevant agencies to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.

Youth in the national development / employment strategy

Youth in the national development / employment strategy
Yes

Additional information:
The Updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028 serves as the key national framework that includes youth as a primary target group. This plan outlines strategic priorities and programs aimed at promoting youth development and employment across the country.

Countries with national goals for youth employment

Countries with national goals for youth employment
Yes

Additional information:
National goals and objectives to promote youth employment are stated in the main national Plans: • The Labor and Employment Plan 2023–2028 prioritizes maximizing productive, remunerative, freely chosen, and sustainable work opportunities for youth, with key outcomes focused on increasing employability, expanding access to employment, and promoting shared labor market governance. • The Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 (Chapter 4) emphasizes increasing income-earning ability. • The Updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028 targets economic empowerment, aiming for youth to be competent in engaging in economic enterprises as well as in technology adoption, transformation, and innovation by 2028. The plan outlines strategies to achieve these goals through skills development, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. The Philippine government implements several key programmes aimed at promoting youth employment and enhancing employability as part of its broader Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 and related national development strategies. These initiatives include: • Government Internship Program (GIP): This programme offers youth beneficiaries the opportunity to serve in various government agencies and projects at both national and local levels. It enables young people to demonstrate their skills in public service, with internships lasting between 3 to 6 months, ultimately aiming to attract talented youth to careers in government service. • Special Programme for Employment of Students (SPES): SPES provides short-term employment opportunities for poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced workers, helping them bridge education and employment. • JobStart Philippines (JSP): JSP targets at-risk youth aged 18-24 by reducing job-search periods and improving employability through comprehensive employment facilitation, which includes life skills and technical training as well as paid internships to gain work experience. • Career Development Support Programme (CDSP): CDSP offers career guidance and support services to address gaps in employability such as skills mismatches and job search strategies. Through Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs), the programme supports beneficiaries to align their skills and career goals with labor market demands.

Countries with quantitative targets for youth employment

Countries with quantitative targets for youth employment
Yes

Additional information:
Increase the beneficiaries of the main national programmes focused on youth employment.

Policy areas in national youth employment strategies

Macroeconomic and Sectoral policies
Yes
Enterprise Development
No
Education, Training and skills development
Yes
Labour Demand
Yes
Labour Law and Legislation
Yes
Labour Market Policies
Yes
Other (please specify)
No

Social partners' inclusion in the youth employment strategy

Workers
Implementation of youth employment strategies/programmes (e.g. social partners as official implementers of the strategy or programme)
Partially involved (only for some elements of the strategy)
Assessment of youth employability (alignment of youth qualifications and skills to labour market needs)
Consulted
Monitoring and evaluation of youth employment interventions (e.g. active labour market programmes)
Consulted
Awareness raising, marketing and promotion of youth employment (e.g. campaign to promote youth employment)
Fully involved
Formulation of youth employment strategies (e.g. national action plan for youth)
Fully involved
Development of youth employment programmes (e.g. sectoral programme with a clear target to employ X number of youth)
Fully involved
Employers
Implementation of youth employment strategies/programmes (e.g. social partners as official implementers of the strategy or programme)
Partially involved (only for some elements of the strategy)
Assessment of youth employability (alignment of youth qualifications and skills to labour market needs)
Consulted
Monitoring and evaluation of youth employment interventions (e.g. active labour market programmes)
Consulted
Awareness raising, marketing and promotion of youth employment (e.g. campaign to promote youth employment)
Fully involved
Formulation of youth employment strategies (e.g. national action plan for youth)
Fully involved
Development of youth employment programmes (e.g. sectoral programme with a clear target to employ X number of youth)
Fully involved

Youth-led organizatios' inclusion in the national strategy

Fully involved
No
Partially involved (only for some elements of the strategy)
No
Consulted
No
Informed
No
Not involved
Yes

Countries with national partnerships for youth employment

Countries with national partnerships for youth employment
Yes

Additional information:
2025 GIP - DOLE in partnership with other Government Agencies (Local or National). SPES, through the regional implementers, has established strong partnerships with employers from both the public and private sectors. Majority of the employers from the public sector are local government units (LGUs) while establishments and educational institutions comprise the private sector employers. JobStart, through its regional implementers (DOLE Regional and Field Offices and Public Employment Service Offices), has established strong partnerships with employers from both the private sectors. CDSP - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment coordinates with DOLE-Regional Offices in the conduct of career guidance-related activities. The Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) in the various regions and PESOs in Local Government Units (LGUs) are instrumental in making the students and young jobseekers realize the importance of making informed decisions in the process of choosing their career path. FTJAA - The DOLE acting as the Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is in constant coordination with DILG, DFA, DOF, DICT, DOJ, DepEd, DOH, CSC, TESDA, CHED, NBI, PSA, PNP, MARINA, PESOMAP, and NPC on the implementation of the Act. ---------------- 2024 GIP - DOLE in partnership with other Government Agencies (Local or National). SPES, through the regional implementers, has established strong partnerships with employers from both the public and private sectors. Majority of the employers from the public sector are local government units (LGUs) while establishments and educational institutions comprise the private sector employers. JobStart, through its regional implementers (DOLE Regional and Field Offices and Public Employment Service Offices), has established strong partnerships with employers from both the private sectors. CDSP - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment coordinates with DOLE-Regional Offices in the conduct of career guidance-related activities. The Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) in the various regions and PESOs in Local Government Units (LGUs) are instrumental in making the students and young jobseekers realize the importance of making informed decisions in the process of choosing their career path. FTJAA - The DOLE acting as the Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is in constant coordination with DILG, DFA, DOF, DICT, DOJ, DepEd, DOH, CSC, TESDA, CHED, NBI, PSA, PNP, MARINA, PESOMAP, and NPC on the implementation of the Act. --------------- 2023: GIP - DOLE in partnership with other Government Agencies (Local or National). SPES, through the regional implementers, has established strong partnerships with employers from both the public and private sectors. Majority of the employers from the public sector are local government units (LGUs) while establishments and educational institutions comprise the private sector employers. JobStart, through its regional implementers (DOLE Regional and Field Offices and Public Employment Service Offices), has established strong partnerships with employers from both the private sectors. CGAP - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment coordinates with DOLE-Regional Offices in the conduct of career guidance-related activities. The Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) in the various regions and PESOs in Local Government Units (LGUs) are instrumental in making the students and young jobseekers realize the importance of making informed decision in the process of choosing their career path. FTJAA - The Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is the oversight body for compliance of government agencies to ensure the proper implementation by allowing the qualified beneficiaries to avail the benefits of the Act, which constitutes DILG, DFA, DOF, DICT, DOJ, DepEd, DOH, CSC, TESDA, CHED, NBI, PSA, PNP, MARINA, PESOMAP, NPC, and Liga ng mga Barangay. DOLE sits as the Chair of the IAMC and processes, analyzes, and submits labor market information on the implementation of the Act to both Houses of Congress. ______________ 2022 survey: GIP - DOLE in partnership with other Government Agencies (Local or National). SPES, through the regional implementers, has established strong partnerships with employers from both the public and private sectors. Majority of the employers from the public sector are local government units (LGUs) while establishments and educational institutions comprise the private sector employers. JobStart, through its regional implementers (DOLE Regional and Field Offices and Public Employment Service Offices), has established strong partnerships with employers from both the private sectors. CGAP - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment coordinates with DOLE-Regional Offices in the conduct of career guidance-related activities. The Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) in the various regions and PESOs in Local Government Units (LGUs) are instrumental in making the students and young jobseekers realize the importance of making informed decision in the process of choosing their career path. __________________________________________________________________________________ 2020 survey: Part of the TESDA's mandate is to establish strategic and sustainable partnerships and linkages with industry groups, government and NGOs, basic sectors and other TVET stakeholders. In pursuit of this mandate, TESDA continues to forge partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, private companies and industry organizations in providing training scholarships and related assistance that addresses specific training needs of its clientele. On the other hand, industry partners assist TESDA by allowing the use of their facilities and resources thus allowing TESDA to serve its clients more conveniently. To bridge the gap in the delivery of TVET between TESDA and public TVIs, TESDA also initiates the conduct of dialogues and consultations with state universities and colleges as well as local universities to address issues and concerns in program delivery, faculty accreditation and infrastructure requirements. As part of its networking and advocacy programs, TESDA has institutionalized an awards system to recognize partner institutions that have demonstrated good practices in technical education and skills development, advocacy, promotion and have contributed to the development of workers’ qualification and competencies, either in the form of training scholarships, donation of training machinery, tools and equipment or supplies and materials, recruitment and placement assistance and other relevant support services. (Source: TESDA 2017 Annual Report) (Source: TESDA) Partnerships and youth engagements in general are handled by the NYC. For DOLE, various partnerships are entered into through various youth programs under the Bureau of Local Employment or BLE (JobStart Philippines, Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and Government Internship Program), particularly with the local government units (through the Public Employment Services Office or PESO) and potential employers of youth beneficiaries among others (Source: DOLE BLE) Last 22-23 April 2019, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) partnered with DOLE in gathering together Public Employment Service Office (PESO) representatives from all over the country for an in-depth training activity designed to review and improve PESO practices in relation to youth engagement. On the 24th of April, a Joint Agenda Planning Workshop was conducted among collaborators of the YouthWorks PH program. YouthWorks PH is a USAID-supported five-year nationwide private sector-led initiative which engages industry, academe, government, and other education and employment stakeholders in improving human capital development in the Philippines, especially those with limited opportunities for upskilling and gainful employment. The program is being implemented in the country by DOLE through the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), in partnership with PBEd (Source: ILS) To ensure full implementation of the PYDP, NYC will coordinate with various national, regional and local government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, local youth development offices and youth groups. An indicative budget has been allotted under the PYDP for coordination with these agencies in order to cascade the Plan into Local Youth Development Plans. (Source: PYDP Chapter on Investment Plan) (Source: NYC) On December 2016, DOLE and DTI spearheaded the Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan Employment and Livelihood Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig. The Summit was a convergence among government agencies, academe and non-government organizations (NGO) where key stakeholders committed to work in close partnership to increase Filipino incomes by creating more decent jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. Headlined by the convergence are priorities on decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, formalization and growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and reduction of youth not in employment, education and training (NEET), raising industry's share in employment and gross domestic product (GDP).

Inclusiveness of vulnerable groups in national strategies

Women
Yes
Migrant Workers
Yes
NEETs
Yes
People with disabilities
Yes
Low skilled workers
Yes
Rural workers
Yes
Other (please specify)
Yes

Youth employment strategies and international cooperation

Youth employment strategies and international cooperation
Yes

Additional information:
2024 None yet, however, the Department proposes to have an evaluability assessment of the youth employability programs to examine how the programs are implemented and managed, assessing whether they conform to their original design and documenting their development and operations. ----------- 2023: JobStart Philippines was supported by the Government of Canada and the Asian Development Bank through a Technical Assistance fund from 2014 to 2022. ___________ 2022: Among the DOLE youth programs, the JobStart Philippines Program, which is being managed by the BLE, has received support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Canada (GOC). To date, JobStart has undergone two (2) ADB Technical Assistances (TAs). First of which is the already closed ADB TA 8335, or “Employment Facilitation for Inclusive Growth (EFIG)”, with grant funding from the GOC, which aims to help young people find the right jobs at a faster rate, through Output 2, or the MyFirstJob pilot program, which was eventually referred to as JobStart and was piloted in 2014-2015. The second TA, on the other hand, supports the nationwide rollout of JobStart (ADB TA 8984). The DOLE Department Order (DO) No. 148, series of 2016 was signed on 12 January 2016, which sets forth the implementing guidelines of JobStart under the said ongoing TA. This TA was initially funded by the ADB through a grant and additional grant funding by the GOC was later on approved. The TA aims to support the government's efforts to establish the nationwide institutional setup for the JobStart rollout and ensure that more youth access the program’s services under the rollout between 2016 and 2020 (Source: DOLE BLE).