For many Filipinos, finding a job is not as simple as sending out resumes and waiting for a call back. The process is often filled with barriers—being labeled underqualified for some roles, overqualified for others, or unable to meet rigid requirements despite having relevant skills.
This mismatch leaves many applicants stuck in limbo, eager to work but unable to secure opportunities that fit their experience. Beyond qualifications, the job hunt itself comes with costs that can discourage even the most determined job seekers.
The Hidden Costs and Barriers of Job Hunting
Applying for a job in the Philippines often requires more than just credentials. Applicants must secure pre-employment documents such as NBI clearance, police clearance, barangay clearance, and medical certificates, each with corresponding fees.
For low-income Filipinos, these expenses can become a major obstacle. Many are forced to delay or abandon applications simply because they cannot afford the upfront costs. At the same time, job-skills mismatch continues to be a challenge, with available positions not always aligned with the skills and experience of many workers.
Bridging the Gap Through Policy Reforms
Amid these challenges, Senator Mark A. Villar is pushing for measures aimed at easing the burden on job seekers. Mark Villar called for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1272, or the proposed Kabalikat sa Hanapbuhay Act, which seeks to reduce or waive fees for essential pre-employment documents for indigent applicants, including government-issued clearances and medical certificates.
“Many capable Filipinos are held back from applying for jobs simply because they cannot afford the initial costs of these documents,” Villar said.
He also cited Senate Bill No. 1295, which proposes a tripartite council composed of government, employers, and workers. The council will help address unemployment, underemployment, and job-skills mismatch by aligning workforce skills with industry needs.
“By bringing together all stakeholders, we can create more inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities,” he added.
A Call for Action
Villar urged the Senate, labor groups, employers, and civil society to support the immediate passage of the measures, stressing that true support for workers goes beyond words and must be reflected in laws that remove barriers to employment.
