The number of unemployed Filipinos climbed to 2.26 million in December 2025, topping both November’s figure and year-ago levels, official data show.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that about 2.26 million Filipinos ages 15 and older were unemployed in December, up from 1.63 million in the same month last year, a rise of about 38.7%.
PSA National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the increase in unemployment reflects persistent labor market challenges, even as some sectors posted gains. The unemployment total translated to a 4.4% jobless rate, unchanged from November but significantly higher than the 3.1% rate recorded in December last year.
“This shows that many Filipinos are still looking for work at the end of the year,” Mapa said during a press briefing.
Overall labor market conditions remained mixed. Total employment stood at 49.43 million in December, an improvement from the previous month but still below year-ago levels. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate — the proportion of working-age Filipinos who were employed or actively seeking work — was 64.4%, indicating steady engagement in the labor market.
Officials noted that the services sector continued to account for the largest share of employment, making up more than 60% of total jobs, followed by agriculture and industry. However, several industries recorded year-on-year job losses, shifts that likely constrained the labor market’s ability to absorb new workers.
The December figures come amid broader labor trends that saw fluctuations in unemployment throughout 2025. Earlier in the year, jobless numbers were higher, reflecting structural issues in the labor market that continue to complicate efforts to generate stable and sufficient employment.
Policymakers are expected to review the latest data as they consider measures to boost job creation and strengthen employment growth, particularly for younger and first-time job seekers.
