ALARMED by the rise in joblessness across the country, Cavite 1st District Representative Ramon Jolo Revilla III is calling for the swift passage of two critical measures that aim to provide immediate employment relief and long-term job-matching solutions for displaced and vulnerable workers.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of unemployed Filipinos climbed to 2.27 million in July 2025, up from 2.17 million in June.
This marks the highest unemployment level since April 2023, with young and less-educated Filipinos suffering the greatest impact. The PSA also cited a decrease in the number of Filipinos actively participating in the labor force.
“This isn’t just a labor force statistic. This is a crisis that demands real, grassroots-level solutions. We need to create jobs now, while also building systems that connect people to work opportunities in their own communities,” said Revilla.
To address both the short-term and structural roots of the unemployment problem, Revilla expressed his strong support for two legislative proposals: the institutionalization of the TUPAD Program under House Bill 2985, and the creation of a Barangay Skilled Workers Registry under House Bill 481, authored by Pasig City Representative Roman T. Romulo, among other proposed measured that are designed to increase job placement opportunities for all Filipinos.
Under House Bill 2985, the TUPAD Program—currently being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as an emergency employment initiative—will be made permanent and expanded. The measure provides for short-term, wage-based employment for displaced and disadvantaged workers through community projects such as street sweeping, canal declogging, tree planting, and minor public infrastructure repairs.
“From informal workers to displaced OFWs, this bill ensures we have a safety net that creates dignified, paid work when people need it most,” said Revilla as he emphasized that the measure targets those most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, House Bill 481, filed by Rep. Roman Romulo, mandates every barangay to maintain a Barangay Skilled Workers Registry—a publicly accessible database of skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and seamstresses.
“This registry will serve as a job-matching platform at the grassroots level. Households looking for help no longer need to rely on social media posts or word of mouth. They can go straight to their barangay to find qualified, nearby skilled workers,” Revilla noted.
Revilla added that the registry empowers both service providers and consumers by fostering trust, traceability, and accessibility. It can also complement national upskilling and certification programs by TESDA.
“Sa ganitong paraan, hindi lang tayo basta nagbibigay ng trabaho. Tinutulungan natin ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na magkaroon ng regular na hanapbuhay sa kanilang sariling komunidad,” he said.
As Chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, Revilla stressed the urgency of passing both bills in response to worsening job data and growing socioeconomic pressure among ordinary Filipinos.
“Kailangan ng solusyon na mabilis, praktikal, at abot-kamay. TUPAD and the Barangay Skilled Workers Registry are tools we can roll out now. Let’s not waste time,” Revilla said.
