Loui Mark B. BayauaAC 301

PHILIPPINES and INDONESIAPhilippines is no longer the sick man of East Asia but the Rising Tiger. Though this title looks promising, in reality this is a tentative and fragile, even if this is backed up by some recent data that our economy is getting better; especially so when talking about the employment status of the Philippines. Job security, unemployment and underemployment seem to be the problem of many of our fellow Filipinos. Even those who are already employed have the fear of losing job anytime. These issues are the major economic problems that Filipinos are facing today, a same old issue.Unemployment as one of the major issue is getting worse, even if they always say that economy of our country improves. And this trend follows the increase of poverty in our country as our population increase rapidly as well. It shows also that job fairs are not the ultimate solution for the unemployment. If only there is an all-in-one solution not just for unemployment but also for those underemployed, it would be much better. Currently Philippines unemployment rate is 7.4%, highest in the East Asia region. Because of these employment issues, more and more Filipinos are seeking high-paying and quality jobs abroad.But since, Philippines show a great economic potential, I hope, its potential would translate to more and better job opportunities for our kababayan.On the other hand, Indonesia showed a downward trend in their unemployment rate, particularly in their female unemployment, garnering 5.94%. Statistics show that the ratio of female unemployment in Indonesia is reaching the male unemployment. However, gender discrimination is still a problem in some sex-aggregate market in Indonesia. Thats why it remains a challenge to everyone.Indonesia, as being the largest economy of Southeast Asia and 18th largest in the world, contains great economic potential as well. So, its not a surprise if they can attract more investors and large private business groups will decide to invest there, thus employing more people and consequently diminishes the number of unemployed citizens.To both country; agriculture, industry and services as well as the infrastructure are the main growth drivers that can potentially generate high quality employment. To date, ASEAN economic integration (2015) will play a vital role not only for these two countries but also to all the ten members. Im very optimistic that the free flow of manpower/labor will open more job opportunities for all ASEAN members including Philippines and Indonesia, thus answers the issues of underemployment and unemployment and promotes overall economic well-being.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and EUROPEAN COUNTRIESUnited States of America, being the worlds largest economy, also faces employment and unemployment issues as well. Over the years USA struggles to create more jobs in a fast paced for the reason that employers resist hiring new workers until they are absolutely sure the economy will stay strong. I think if Im the employer, I will also do the same, because the stability of the countrys economy is not fixed so you have to be cautious. Today, US has been reported to create less than 300,000 jobs, but the bad story is: they are part time, not full time jobs. So, it means more people have to receive lower pay, diminished benefits, and a lack of job security. Yes, the unemployment has fallen to 5.6% but I think it doesnt reflect the whole matter as there are only 47.7% Americans working full-time and there are 2.4 million who leaves the workforce. What if everyone quit looking for work? It will mean 0% unemployment rate. So to provide not just more jobs but also quality jobs is an important matter to consider.Unemployment in many European countries has risen sharply due to the credit crunch and global recession. The worst hit countries include Spain and Greece, who both have unemployment rates of over 24%. Even if some other European countries posed lower rates of unemployment, the regions rate if averaged is still higher than the United States. So even if our perception those European countries are rich and improved countries they still possess high unemployment rates. Im sure that there is no single reason behind that, many factors are essential for the analysis.So, I think the association of the European countries will help improve the employment status of each member as it promises integration, just like the ASEAN, that promises better community and harmonious relationship with each country.