Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto today affirmed the sustained strength of the Philippine labor market, highlighting the government’s proactive and targeted strategies to cultivate high-quality employment opportunities for Filipinos and future-proof the nation’s workforce.
The latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) for April 2025 demonstrates the continued resilience of the Philippine job market. The country’s unemployment rate averaged a low 4.0% year-to-date, significantly below the 4.4% to 4.7% target outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Furthermore, the underemployment rate remained relatively low at 14.6%, signaling ongoing improvements in job quality across the country.
Job growth was evident across key sectors. The services sector saw a substantial increase, employing 30.14 million individuals in April 2025, up from 29.72 million in the same period last year. The agriculture sector also posted gains, employing 10.02 million workers compared to 9.8 million a year prior. A significant majority of employed individuals, 63.2%, are classified as wage and salary workers, indicating a growing proportion of stable and formal jobs.
“In line with President Marcos, Jr.’s directive, the economic team is building a labor market that works for the future—resilient, inclusive, and equipped to compete globally,” stated Finance Chief Recto. “For this is how we reap our demographic dividends, sustain our strong economic growth, and lift more Filipinos out of poverty.”
To achieve these goals, the government is deploying a multi-pronged approach:
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Stimulating Investment and Job Creation: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is actively engaging with international investors. Recently, discussions with South Korea’s Lotte GRS and other major conglomerates aim to boost employment in the food and retail sectors. Lotte GRS, for instance, plans to open 30 Lotteria branches nationwide, supported by incentives under the CREATE MORE law.
Harnessing Future Workforce Preparedness and Digital Transition: The DTI has partnered with the World Economic Forum to implement the “Future of Jobs Accelerator.” This initiative projects that 68% of Filipino workers will require training by 2030, with 27% needing full reskilling for new roles. In response, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will introduce micro-credentialing, demand-driven training, and AI ethics in labor governance.
Promoting Higher-Value Employment: The newly established Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council will proactively assist local firms in expanding their product mix and upgrading technological capacity. This is expected to generate higher-quality and better-paying jobs, particularly in manufacturing and higher-value-added services.
Reforming Skills Certification and Training: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has approved the National Certification (NC) III for over 68,000 Child Development Workers, addressing critical gaps in training, job security, and compensation within early childhood education. TESDA has also finalized the implementing rules and regulations of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, with an impressive 85.48% employment rate highlighting its strong industry alignment. Furthermore, TESDA is expanding international partnerships to enhance technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through joint research, training, and scholarship initiatives.
Empowering Youth and Strengthening Local Economies: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan, alongside grant support for promising agripreneurs, to bolster food security and strengthen local economies. The DOLE, concurrently, has opened over 2,700 slots for its Government Internship Program (GIP) in the Ilocos Region, providing disadvantaged youth with invaluable on-the-job experience in public service roles.
These concerted efforts underscore the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive labor market, ensuring sustained economic growth and improved living standards for all Filipinos.
