MANILA – Institute for Labor Studies researchers Athena Mari E. Son and Chelsea Nicole Pineda presented their working paper, "Labor Market Trends 2016 to 2022: Prospects & Challenges," at the recent 2nd Philippine Data Festival of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), offering practical insights into the dynamic Philippine labor market.

Their presentation highlighted the significance of labor statistics in shaping policies and employment programs. It also underscored the pandemic's impact on employment, including fluctuations and contractions in key indicators. Factors such as human mobility, the digital economy, and flexible work arrangements were identified as contributors to changing labor market trends.
The PSA organized the Data Festival with the theme “Harnessing the Power of Data and Statistics for a Future-ready Filipino and Filipina Youth,” on October 3 to 4, at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila. The event aimed to foster an appreciation for official statistics among students, strengthen partnerships with government offices, civil society organizations, and the private sector, and promote the proper interpretation and use of official statistics among media practitioners. This year’s data festival attracted a diverse audience ranging from policymakers and researchers to practitioners and stakeholders in the labor and employment sector.
The ILS working paper can be accessed through this link: Labor Market Trends from 2016 to 2022 Prospects and Challenges (dole.gov.ph)