By Tracy Cabrera
MALACAÑAN, Manila — While unemployment among Filipinos eased in February, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cautioned that global developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, could continue to affect both domestic economic conditions and labor markets.
In a statement, Balisacan stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s labor market resilience and ensuring that government programs remain responsive to rapidly evolving global challenges, especially for workers displaced at home and abroad.
As part of long-term workforce preparation, the government is stepping up investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors. “An accelerated shift toward alternative energy sources is expected, and we are equipping our workforce and innovation systems to support this move,” Balisacan said.
He also announced that affected workers would be offered skills training in operating and maintaining renewable energy facilities and electric vehicles, including managing necessary parts and components.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that unemployment in February decreased to 5.1 percent, down from 5.8 percent in January. Nevertheless, it remained above the 3.8 percent reported in the same month last year. This represents 2.66 million unemployed Filipinos, lower than January’s 2.96 million but higher than February 2025’s 1.94 million.
Meanwhile, the underemployment rate fell to 11.8 percent from 13.2 percent in January, yet was still higher than last year’s 10.1 percent, with the number of underemployed individuals totaling 5.84 million.
ia/xf
