The private sector has recommended accelerating hiring processes in both government and private companies to help protect the labor sector and sustain economic activity amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which continues to affect oil prices, supply chains, and employment.

According to a report by RH Leth Narciso on DZRH'S Damdaming Bayan, during a recent meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, April 8, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group endorsed several measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the crisis.

Among the key recommendations is the immediate implementation of job matching initiatives and work-posting systems prior to worker deployment.

The group also called for the expansion of job fairs nationwide to provide more employment opportunities and to speed up recruitment efforts across sectors.

In addition, the council emphasized the need to resume infrastructure development and pre-consumption activities to absorb displaced workers into upcoming projects.

For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the Middle East tensions, the PSAC proposed easing redeployment processes, offering micro-credential training across various industries, and promoting entrepreneurship to create alternative sources of income.

The group stressed the importance of preserving jobs to ensure that Filipinos remain productive despite external economic pressures.

Marcos underscored the unified stance between the government and the private sector, highlighting the need for a coordinated and immediate response to cushion the effects of the ongoing developments in the Middle East.