manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to continue strengthening employment facilitation and connecting job seekers with available opportunities. This came after the July 2026 Labor Force Survey (LFS) results released on Tuesday showed both gains and continuing challenges in the labor market.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest LFS released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated that the number of employed Filipinos reached 49.21 million in July 2026, with several key sectors of the economy recording employment gains over the year. The department noted that employment increased by 3.16 million from 46.05 million in July 2025, reflecting continued employment activity across major sectors of the economy.

On the other hand, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino emphasized the sectoral movements reinforce the importance of keeping employment services responsive to changing labor demand. "We need to closely monitor where employment opportunities are growing and where gaps remain so that our employment programs and services can respond to the needs of workers and job seekers," he said.

The LFS results also showed that the country's labor force increased by 3.71 million year-on-year to 52.36 million, raising the labor force participation rate from 60.7 percent to 63.6 percent. The employment rate, however, declined to 94.0 percent from 94.7 percent in July 2025, while the unemployment rate increased to 6.0 percent from 5.3 percent. The number of unemployed persons rose by 551,000 year-on-year, from 2.59 million to 3.14 million.

Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined to 12.9 percent in July 2026 from 14.8 percent in July 2025. The number of underemployed persons likewise decreased by 473,000 year-on-year to 6.33 million. However, on a month-on-month basis, underemployment increased by 214,000, while the rate rose from 12.1 percent in June to 12.9 percent in July.

Youth labor force participation saw an increase to 33.7 percent in July 2026 from 29.5 percent in July 2025, while the youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate declined to 15.2 percent from 15.9 percent. However, youth unemployment rose to 18.6 percent, from 18.1 percent year-on-year and more sharply from 13.5 percent in June 2026.

To assist more Filipinos in finding work and gaining valuable experience, DOLE announced it will continue its youth employability programs, including the Government Internship Program (GIP) and Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). Starting this month, the department will also conduct monthly Trabaho Agad job fairs nationwide, with Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) fast-tracking the placement of applicants, particularly "near-hires" who only need to complete remaining documentary requirements.

Additionally, DOLE will expand TUPAD assistance for workers and communities affected by floods and monsoon rains, including school readiness activities, waterway clearing, and other community projects. The agency will also strengthen its transition toward community-based enterprises through TESDA training and capital support.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP/DILP) will continue providing livelihood assistance for farming, vending, processing, repair services, and other small enterprises, including workers recovering from habagat-related flooding. Skills-to-work partnerships with TESDA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will also be deepened to connect training, starter kits, and capital assistance to jobs or viable enterprises, including for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) will remain available to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) manage economic pressures, protect jobs, and improve productivity. Secretary Tolentino also directed DOLE Regional Offices to target areas with the sharpest job losses, coordinate with Local Government Units (LGUs) and PESOs, and intensify the implementation of youth employability programs.

"The goal is not only to bring the unemployment rate down, but to put more Filipinos in decent, more productive work," he added.