Unemployment Rate Hits 4.1%, Highest Since January 2025
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JUNE 06,2025
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that the unemployment rate in April 2025 reached 4.1%, the highest level since January. This figure marks an increase from the 3.9% recorded in March 2025 and matches last year’s April rate of 4%. The data translates to 2.06 million unemployed Filipinos, a slight rise from 2.04 million in April 2024.
Surge in Underemployment and Drop in Employment Rate
Underemployment, the condition where individuals seek additional work or longer hours, surged to 14.6% in April. This increase represents 7.09 million underemployed individuals, matching last year’s level. These figures highlight the ongoing struggle many Filipinos face in securing stable, full-time jobs.
The employment rate dropped to 95.9% in April, down from 96.1% in March and 96% a year earlier. The number of employed individuals decreased to 48.67 million, reflecting the challenges in the job market.
Unemployment Rate-Labor Force Participation and Economic Outlook
The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stood at 63.7% in April, an improvement from the 62.9% recorded in March but still lower than the 64.1% reported in April 2024. This increase in participation shows that more Filipinos are actively seeking work, even as challenges persist in securing stable jobs.
The rise in unemployment and underemployment underscores the need for more quality job creation. While the LFPR is growing, many Filipinos still face job insecurity and lack of opportunities for career advancement.
Moving Forward: Addressing Employment Challenges
As unemployment and underemployment remain concerns, it is crucial for the government to focus on policies that generate sustainable, well-paying jobs. Strengthening the labor market will require efforts from both public and private sectors to ensure that employment opportunities are available to more Filipinos. NOWTREND
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