NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Nearly 48 Million Filipinos Employed In January, But Jobless Rate Ticks Up
Photo credit: DOLE
Close to 48 million Filipinos were employed in January, according to the latest labor data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
PSA Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia Del Prado said the country’s employment rate stood at 94.2 percent, equivalent to around 47.94 million people with jobs.
While still high, the figure represents a slight drop compared with the 95.6 percent employment rate recorded in December and the 95.7 percent posted in January last year.
At the same time, the unemployment rate climbed to 5.8 percent, meaning about 2.96 million Filipinos were looking for work but unable to find jobs during the period.
The PSA also reported that 13.2 percent of employed Filipinos were underemployed. This refers to workers who want additional working hours, earn too little from their current jobs, or are working in positions that do not fully match their skills or qualifications.
Across the regions, SOCCSKSARGEN recorded the highest employment rate, while the Bicol Region posted the lowest.
Looking at job categories, the PSA observed an increase in employment among clerical support workers, technicians and associate professionals, plant and machine operators, managers, and professionals.
Meanwhile, the number of workers declined in sectors such as skilled agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as in elementary occupations and service and sales jobs.
PSA Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia Del Prado said the country’s employment rate stood at 94.2 percent, equivalent to around 47.94 million people with jobs.
While still high, the figure represents a slight drop compared with the 95.6 percent employment rate recorded in December and the 95.7 percent posted in January last year.
At the same time, the unemployment rate climbed to 5.8 percent, meaning about 2.96 million Filipinos were looking for work but unable to find jobs during the period.
The PSA also reported that 13.2 percent of employed Filipinos were underemployed. This refers to workers who want additional working hours, earn too little from their current jobs, or are working in positions that do not fully match their skills or qualifications.
Across the regions, SOCCSKSARGEN recorded the highest employment rate, while the Bicol Region posted the lowest.
Looking at job categories, the PSA observed an increase in employment among clerical support workers, technicians and associate professionals, plant and machine operators, managers, and professionals.
Meanwhile, the number of workers declined in sectors such as skilled agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as in elementary occupations and service and sales jobs.
Mar 13, 2026
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