THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the employment situation is likely to recover only in 2023.

In a virtual press briefing, Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said they believe that the employment sector will only be able to fully recover after three years.

"We'll probably go back to our pre-pandemic stage by early 2023. Hopefully, by next year, but not probable," said Tutay.

"We are looking at three years for us to be able to go back to pre-pandemic stage," she added.

For now, the labor official said they will have to settle for the 2.4 to 2.8 million job opportunities under the National Employment Recovery Strategy.

"That's the target. But I know this is a very difficult target considering that we are still in a pandemic stage," said Tutay.

Among the sectors that the government is pinning its hopes on are the health and wellness, wholesale and retail, construction and the government.

She said health and wellness will be in demand due to the health crisis.

Tutay said wholesale and retail will click, particularly online trading.

The labor official also said there will be a high demand for the construction sector due to the numerous infrastructure projects of the government.

Finally, Tutay said there will a lot of job opportunities in the government as long as workers are eligible.

"These are our key employment generating sectors even at this Covid-19 pandemic period," said Tutay. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)