MANILA – Unemployment in the Philippines eased in February, with 2.66 million Filipinos without work, a decline from 2.96 million in January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The PSA’s latest Labor Force Survey revealed that the country’s unemployment rate fell to 5.1 percent from 5.8 percent the previous month. The labor force participation rate also increased to 63.8 percent, indicating that 52.09 million Filipinos aged 15 and above were actively engaged in the labor market.
The employment rate improved to 94.9 percent, with total employment rising to 49.43 million. Underemployment, reflecting workers seeking additional hours or jobs, was recorded at 5.84 million, equivalent to an 11.8 percent underemployment rate.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the continuing risks posed by the Middle East geopolitical crisis, noting that these developments could impact both domestic and overseas labor markets. To address these challenges, the government is implementing measures through the UPLIFT Committee to protect jobs, sustain essential services, and provide timely assistance to affected workers.
Support programs include cash aid, fuel subsidies, and emergency employment opportunities via the Department of Transportation’s Service Contracting Program and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay. The Department of Agriculture is also releasing PHP1 billion to aid fuel costs and biofertilizer supply.
Looking ahead, initiatives to boost renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors aim to provide long-term workforce resilience, including training programs for workers affected by shifting energy and transportation trends.
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