Palace says young Filipinos should remain free to pursue jobs abroad

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 05, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO

Malacañang has defended the right of young Filipinos to seek employment overseas, saying the government should focus on improving their skills rather than preventing them from pursuing better opportunities outside the country.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration recognizes that working abroad can provide better career prospects and financial support for Filipino families.

She stressed that the government should not hold back young people who want to build their careers overseas, adding that their earnings can also contribute to the Philippine economy.

The statement came after a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies raised concerns about the country’s declining labor force participation and the growing number of Filipinos considering employment abroad.

Castro said the government is addressing skills gaps and job mismatches through training and education programs. She cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Education to strengthen the capabilities of young Filipinos.

The goal, she said, is to make Filipino workers competitive both in the domestic job market and internationally.

The discussion also comes amid findings from an OCTA Research survey showing that 57 percent of respondents were open to living or working abroad if given the opportunity. Meanwhile, 39 percent preferred to remain in the Philippines, while four percent were undecided.

Rather than restrict overseas employment, the Palace said it would continue working to attract investments and create local jobs that better match the qualifications of the country’s workforce.

The administration maintains that improving employment opportunities at home and preparing Filipinos for international careers can go hand in hand.