SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the labor sector to “quickly adapt” flexible working hours for youth workers after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) observed a “dynamic shift” in the youth’s working preference.
“The government and private sector must quickly adapt to the growing preference of young talents for flexible work. DOLE should adopt stronger policies to support remote work and protect digital workers, including freelancers. Targeted skills training must also be prioritized to equip our workforce for emerging digital roles,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday.
Gatchalian issued the remark after DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres said their agency has observed that young workers now prefer jobs that offer flexible arrangements and digitally-driven roles.
“Now, let’s look at the broader trends shaping our youth workforce. We are observing a dynamic shift where young people are increasingly seeking not just any job, but meaningful work that aligns with evolving global demands,” Torres said in an event in Manila last week.
Gatchalian said the government and the private sector must immediately act to adapt to this work arrangement.
“Delaying action risks losing our youth to opportunities abroad or to employers better aligned with their needs. Kailangan nating sumabay sa mabilis na pagbabago ng panahon upang matiyak ang mas mataas na productivity at maayos na kinabukasan para sa ating manggagawa (We must keep up with changing trends to ensure higher productivity and brighter future for our workers),” he added.
Torres said the government is continuously adapting its training and employment strategies to match the ambitions and capabilities of young workers to address this.
DOLE records show that as of April 2025, the youth workforce is pegged at around 6.4 million, with a youth employment rate of 88.5 percent.
