Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday is optimistic of a continued improvement in jobs data this year following the enactment of several priority measures of the Marcos administration.

Villanueva said the latest labor force data showing a significant decline in the unemployment and underemployment rates started 2025 “on a positive note”.

The November 2024 Labor Force Survey reported that unemployment dropped to 3.2 percent from 3.9 percent in October, while underemployment decreased to 10.8 percent from 12.6 percent.

“We are expecting for a more improved jobs data with the full implementation of the Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training Program Act, which we principally authored and sponsored in the Senate, as well as the enactment of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program bill,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“These measures, which are priorities of the Marcos administration, are essential in equipping our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act into law on Sept. 27, 2024 to address unemployment, underemployment and other challenges in the labor market.

The Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act was signed by Marcos last Nov. 7 to address underemployment.

Meanwhile, the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program bill has been approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The measure, once enacted, will enable senior high school and technical vocational school graduates to obtain college degrees through relevant work experience. (PNA)