BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

In June 2024, LJ graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Benguet State University (BSU).

The problem? She couldn’t find a job that matched her degree.

To earn a living, she decided to work as a farmer instead.

“As a fresh grad, it’s not just hard to find a job, it’s extremely difficult. This is really true based on my experience. You need perseverance and patience. I started farming. Yes, I am a degree holder with Latin honors, but I will choose what earns more. Being a farmer does not and will never make me less as a person. We need to be resourceful in life until we find our dream job,” said LJ Flores, a fresh graduate.

Despite this, she is still searching for a job that can better support her family.

People like LJ are the focus of the administration’s employment efforts.

Although unemployment remains a challenge, the administration takes pride in the decreasing unemployment rate.

PBBM assured, “We are bringing down the unemployment rate, and fewer Filipinos are unemployed. But we are not stopping there because whatever jobs they hold should be considered quality jobs.”

At the end of 2024, the unemployment rate was recorded at 3.8%, compared to 4.4% in 2023.

Because of this, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims to enhance programs that will assist unemployed Filipinos.

Aside from this, the president is also focused on strengthening the economy and attracting more investors to the country.