The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced a slight increase in the country’s unemployment rate for March 2025, rising to 3.9% from February’s 3.8%. 

This change represents roughly 2.04 million Filipinos without jobs, an increase from the previous month’s 1.94 million.

Despite the rise in unemployment, the underemployment rate decreased, dropping to 13.4% from 11.0% in March 2024, reflecting fewer workers seeking extra employment opportunities.

The underemployment rate measures those who are employed but seek additional work or longer hours. 

This decline suggests fewer workers were looking for extra employment opportunities in March.

The  PSA labor force survey rate stood at 62.9%, down from 65.3% in March 2024, with 49.96 million Filipinos either employed or unemployed. 

Employment in the services sector remained the highest, comprising 62% of the workforce.

This figure indicates that more people are actively seeking work, despite the increase in unemployment.

Economists attribute the slight rise in unemployment to seasonal hiring slowdowns, particularly after the holiday season. 

The PSA’s data suggests that the job market remains resilient, with the economy expected to recover further in the coming months.

Government efforts to ramp up infrastructure projects and support key sectors are expected to create more job opportunities and reduce unemployment rates in the future. 

As the summer season begins, analysts believe that employment numbers may improve, further stabilizing the labor market.

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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