Philippine Unemployment Rises to 2.16 Million in January 2025

The number of unemployed Filipinos climbed to 2.16 million in January 2025, reflecting an increase in the country’s jobless rate as post-holiday labor demand declined, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

At a press conference on Thursday, PSA Deputy National Statistician and Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia del Prado reported that unemployment among individuals aged 15 and above surged from 1.63 million in December 2024.

This translates to an unemployment rate of 4.3%, up from 3.1% in the previous month, based on the 50.65 million Filipinos actively seeking jobs or livelihood opportunities.

The latest figures highlight the seasonal nature of employment trends, with job losses typically following the surge in hiring during the holiday season.