ASEAN integration to create 3.1M jobs for Filipinos

The upcoming integration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations members in 2015 stands to contribute 3.1 million more jobs in the Philippines, according to a joint study by the International Labor Organization and the Asian Development Bank. About 38% of the expected jobs could be in vulnerable employment, while women are seen to account for only 1.1 million of the estimated job gains, said the study. The report said the country needs to boost skills training and social protection now in order to make the most of the single common market, or else risk worsening poverty. By end of 2015, the ASEAN economic community, a common market and production base, will take shape in 10 ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. Fully adopting the AEC trade measures could expand the country’s gross domestic product by 7.5% by 2025, versus a baseline scenario without deeper integration, the study added.

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