The Philippine government remains steadfast in its commitment to creating more high-quality jobs for Filipinos, as the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) results released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the country’s labor market continues to demonstrate resilience amid global economic challenges.
According to the PSA report, the national unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent in April 2025—a slight increase from 4.0 percent in the same month last year. Labor force participation dipped modestly to 63.7 percent from 64.1 percent. Despite these shifts, the employment rate remains strong at 95.9 percent, with 48.7 million Filipinos employed. The underemployment rate also held steady at 14.6 percent.
“The Philippine labor market continues to show strength and adaptability in the face of global headwinds,” said Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). “We are still well within our target unemployment range of 4.4 to 4.7 percent as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.”
Sustained job growth was recorded in key sectors. The services sector saw an increase in employment, with 30.14 million Filipinos employed, up from 29.72 million in April 2024. The agriculture sector also expanded, employing 10.02 million workers compared to 9.8 million the previous year.
Edillon expressed optimism for further strengthening the country’s labor force, particularly with the continued rollout of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan and increased investments across sectors. “We are laying the groundwork for inclusive and future-ready employment opportunities,” she said.
She highlighted various government programs aimed at enhancing workforce employability, including the upgraded Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track in senior high schools, the Government Internship Program for new graduates, and diverse skills training programs offered through flexible learning modalities.
Recognizing the vital role of industry collaboration, Edillon emphasized the government’s partnership with the private sector through the Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework. “By co-developing programs that emphasize digital, technical, and soft skills, we ensure that our workforce is equipped for the demands of emerging industries,” she noted.
To maintain workforce agility and adaptability, DEPDev is also prioritizing the development of a national policy on lifelong learning. The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) will be strengthened to recognize prior learning and work experience as valid, industry-accepted qualifications.
In support of long-term labor market resilience, the government is ramping up efforts to improve domestic productivity and attract more investments, particularly in manufacturing and higher-value-added services.
“Initiatives that expand our economy into new markets and strengthen domestic industries will generate better-paying, more sustainable jobs for our people,” Edillon said.
Further advancing this agenda, the newly formed Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council is set to help local firms diversify their product offerings and upgrade their technological capacity. Complementary government programs will ensure that Filipino workers receive the necessary training and that infrastructure development keeps pace with industry needs.
