Micro-credentials emerge as a pathway to better jobs - HR World Southeast Asia

Rising unemployment and persistent skill gaps are pushing the Philippines to rethink workforce readiness, as new data shows the jobless rate climbed to 5.8% in January 2026, leaving 2.96 million workers without jobs. The increase highlights structural issues in employability, with limited access to quality jobs and low earning capacity continuing to drive in-work poverty. The challenge is not just job availability, but workforce preparedness. Insights from the World Bank indicate that low education levels and a shortage of productive job opportunities remain key barriers, underscoring the urgent need for both skills development and job creation. In response, micro-credentialing is emerging as a practical pathway to bridge this gap. Short, flexible, and industry-aligned courses are gaining traction as a faster route to employability, enabling workers to upskill without committing to full degree programmes. These credentials are increasingly aligned with employer demand, particularly in sectors facing acute talent shortages.

https://hrsea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/philippines-embraces-micro-credentials-to-combat-rising-unemployment/129751914