Manila: The number of employed Filipinos increased to 50.66 million in June this year, up from 49.63 million in May, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This marks an improvement over the 50.47 million employed in June 2025, as revealed by the latest Labor Force Survey results released Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Statistician Dennis Mapa reported that the employment rate for June stood at 95.1 percent. Industries experiencing the most significant growth in employment included accommodation and food service activities, which saw an increase of 481,000 jobs, administrative support service activities with 456,000 more jobs, public administration and defense with 440,000, education with 354,000, and arts, entertainment, and recreation, which added 168,000 jobs.

The PSA also noted a rise in the country's labor force participation rate (LFPR). In June, the LFPR was recorded at 65.1 percent, up from 63.8 percent in May. This equates to 53.25 million Filipinos aged 15 years and over who are either employed or unemployed. The underemployment rate showed a slight improvement, decreasing to 12.1 percent in June from 12.2 percent in May. However, the unemployment rate saw a minor increase, rising to 4.9 percent in June from 4.8 percent in May, with the number of unemployed estimated at 2.59 million.

In a Viber message, Reyes Tacandong and Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan Ravelas expressed concerns over the challenges fresh graduates face in securing employment amid ongoing geopolitical risks. "They are faced by geopolitical risks which creates challenges in salaries and business opportunities, the threat of AI and a slowing economy," Ravelas stated. He emphasized the importance of creating more entry-level opportunities in services, tourism, technology, and other youth-intensive sectors.