Manila Business Groups Launch Ambitious Employment Campaign
MANILA – In a significant push towards job creation, three leading business organizations in the Philippines are launching ‘Project Jobs’, a campaign aiming to generate over one million jobs within a year. This initiative, starting in January, is a collaboration between the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT).
According to Philippines News Agency, president of ECOP, the plan for ‘Project Jobs’ has been underway since 2021 but faced delays due to pandemic restrictions and changes in national leadership. He announced the upcoming establishment of an ECOP-led secretariat for Project Jobs and the development of a digital platform to connect jobseekers with the program.
Ortiz-Luis, who also serves as the president of PHILEXPORT, explained that the initiative would include joint job fairs and training seminars organized by the member companies of ECOP, PCCI, and PHILEXPORT. These efforts aim to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the job opportunities provided.
A key aspect of ‘Project Jobs’ is its focus on the informal sector, which, as Ortiz-Luis pointed out, comprises an estimated 86 percent of the country’s workforce. The campaign seeks to bring individuals from this sector into formal employment, offering them stability and more structured job opportunities.
Significantly, the SM Group, known for its extensive retail businesses, is strongly supporting the campaign. Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairman of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), is a prominent proponent of this private sector-led job initiative and has pledged support through the SM Group’s companies.
Ortiz-Luis emphasized that once the goal of creating 1 million jobs is achieved, the allied business groups may consider keeping the Project Jobs secretariat as a permanent fixture. This would serve as an ongoing resource for member companies to source and develop talent.