Manila: The number of employed Filipinos increased in August this year as a result of the government's efforts to facilitate job creation. In a briefing Wednesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa reported that the latest Labor Force Survey revealed approximately 50.10 million Filipinos were employed in August, up from 46.05 million in the previous month.
According to Philippines News Agency, the employment rate reached 96.1 percent, with the services sector accounting for the largest share of total employment at 61.5 percent, followed by agriculture at 20.4 percent and industry at 18.1 percent. The Labor Force Participation Rate rose to 65.1 percent from 60.7 percent in July, indicating about 52.13 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above were either employed or unemployed.
The national unemployment rate improved to 3.9 percent in August 2025 from 5.3 percent in July, with the number of unemployed individuals at 2.03 million. The underemployment rate, representing those employed but seeking additional work hours, was estimated at 5.38 million, translating to 10.7 percent, lower than July's 14.8 percent.
In a separate statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan welcomed the labor market developments, attributing these gains to the government's commitment to expanding decent and productive employment opportunities. Balisacan highlighted efforts to generate quality jobs that will raise incomes and improve overall well-being.
Balisacan emphasized that DEPDev aims to build on these positive labor market developments through the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025-2034, which seeks to steer the Philippine workforce toward higher-value segments and generate better-quality employment opportunities. The plan focuses on attracting investments, developing a competitive workforce, and strengthening labor market governance.
Balisacan also stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable workers amid global headwinds and climate change impacts by promoting labor market resilience. This includes enhancing resilience in sectors vulnerable to disruptions and prioritizing improvements in logistics, infrastructure, digitalization, and workforce development.
To sustain gains from declining unemployment and underemployment, Balisacan highlighted the need to support programs like the Government Internship Program, which equips the youth with essential skills and fosters lifelong learning. He underscored the importance of enhancing school-to-work transitions and strengthening youth employability to ensure young Filipinos acquire necessary skills.
"As industries evolve, we must ensure that our workers are equipped with the competencies required in new and emerging sectors so that no Filipino is left behind in our country's development journey," Balisacan added.
