PRESS RELEASE
May 8, 2025
Ref: Ms. Myla Monsod
Mobile: 0917521430
Marcos admin’s series of job fairs help DSWD’s 4Ps members secure gainful employment
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) acknowledged the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) latest report showing a decline in the number of unemployed Filipinos – from 1.94 million in February to 1.93 million in March.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, said the drop in the number of unemployed individuals may be partly attributed to the ‘Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)’ job fair, an inter-agency effort of the Marcos administration.
“This modest drop in the number of unemployed Filipinos reflects a positive development: more Filipinos, particularly from poor households, now have stable sources of income and are more capable of putting food on the table and meeting their daily needs. Ito ang vision ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr at Secretary Rex Gatchalian, magkaroon ng trabaho ang miyembro ng 4Ps upang masiguro na hindi na sila babalik sa kahirapan,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Thursday (May 8).
The DSWD spokesperson said 12 job fairs have been conducted across the country with 980 members of 4Ps hired on the spot while more than 3,000 are waitlisted, awaiting feedback from employers or in the process of completing employment requirements.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the figure reflects the willingness of 4Ps beneficiaries to avail of government initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and investing in human capital.
In partnership with other government agencies, the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa 4Ps provides beneficiaries with opportunities—both local and international employment, livelihood support, and other services of government agencies.
“These interventions aim to promote sustainable self-reliance and break the cycle of poverty,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD is committed to ensuring that 4Ps graduates do not just leave the program but are provided access to other forms of government assistance that will sustain the level of their well-being.
“The DSWD reiterates its commitment to working jointly with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other key partners to help match jobseekers with appropriate employment opportunities and track long-term employment outcomes,” the DSWD spokesperson said.