EDITORIAL - Job generation

Approximately 11 million Filipinos were unemployed in the first quarter of the year – an increase of about two million since December, according to a survey by pollster Social Weather Stations Inc. While such surveys are not as reliable as the more extensive studies undertaken by the National Statistics Office, unemployment is undeniably a serious challenge.

The lack of decent employment opportunities has driven a tenth of the country’s population overseas, sustaining consumer-led economic growth, but with all the concomitant social costs. The need for meaningful employment also fuels urban migration, straining the limited resources of already congested cities, and making the poor vulnerable to labor exploitation and human trafficking.

An administration that is focused on eradicating the drug menace should also consider that the need to earn a living makes the poor vulnerable to recruitment as drug retailers by the major traffickers, with even children employed as couriers because minors are exempted from prosecution. Jueteng has flourished partly for the same reason; the illegal numbers game is one of the top livelihood sources in the countryside and in low-income urban communities.

The Duterte administration is moving to create a more business-friendly environment to attract investments and create jobs. President Duterte’s first marching order to his officials is to cut red tape and make doing business easier in this country. He is clamping down on corruption and liberalizing rules for foreign investment, and has promised to “really level the playing field” for business.

Duterte also wants agriculture to be a top generator of jobs and livelihood opportunities – as it should be in a land that remains largely agrarian. He can study suggestions from investors about the potentials of other sectors as drivers of economic growth, notably tourism and the creative industries.

Tourism development in particular needs coordination by the nation’s highest official. All Cabinet members whose departments are involved in tourism development must come on board instead of stewing over the idea of taking orders from the secretary of tourism. The marching orders must come from the President himself.

The travel and tourism sector has driven growth and promoted local cultures in many countries. With political will and the full support of the President, there is no reason why a country blessed with an abundance of natural attractions like the Philippines should fail to do the same.

Unemployment is a key factor behind criminality and even drug abuse. Any anti-crime campaign should be complemented by an aggressive, effective program of job generation.