UNEMPLOYMENT

The official unemployment figures for the Philippines in 2011 are among the worst in Asia, higher than its South-East Asian neighbors and according to the International Labor Organization the country is among the worst one-fourth in the world in terms of unemployment rates. Without a strong manufacturing industry or real Filipino industry, the economy will be unable to create enough decent paying jobs. Till then manufacturing or services will remain substandard, or of low value-addition. According to employment figures, jobs in the Philippines manufacturing sector increased by just 8% of the total employment. Nearly three out of every ten people in the labor force are looking for work or are jobless. The mining sub-sector said to be one of the fastest growing industry in 2011 failed to generate new jobs (just 0.6 % of total employment).

Steadily rising inflation has contributed to the erosion of the value of the minimum wage. Though the Aquino administration increased the minimum wage and announced cash dole-outs but lack of quality decent paying jobs and higher real wages continue to be a problem. The government's policy to encourage foreign capital, even if in just low value-added assembly operations will continue to hinder real growth and development of the manufacturing sector. The Aquino administration needs to plan over the long-term, and prepare an industrialization program that encourages value-addition manufacturing or services and builds Filipino-owned industries.




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It is in the tradition of Filipinos to patronize the goods produce by other countries not even knowing that we are not helping our fellow Filipino but instead it is one of the reason why unemployment is really a problem here in our country. 


Poor manufacturing in the Philippines create a not enough paying jobs, if this problem continue unemployment will become worst in the coming years and we are all be affected by this.


Even though Aquino administration increased the minimum wages it is still a problem because not all firms really follow the real minimum wage and pay the employees a decent paying jobs. Aquino administration should make our own industries so that many Filipinos will have an opportunity to be employed and be able to decreased the jobless people in our country.


I suggest that we Filipinos must learn the importance of patronizing our own products/goods because we are not just helping our country to prosper if we do this but also it is our pride that Filipinos can really make something unique compared to other countries. 


We must be proud that we are Filipinos and help each other to have a decent jobs so that in the coming years we will not be going to abroad to earn money and to find job but instead we will make Philippines a better country that is full of opportunities to all.