The Philippines’ unemployment rate rose to 4.7 percent in April 2026 as more Filipinos joined the labor force, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
PSA data released Tuesday showed that 2.41 million Filipinos were unemployed in April, higher than the 2.06 million jobless individuals recorded in the same month last year, when the unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent.
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the latest labor market figures reflected both the challenges facing the economy and the resilience of Filipino workers and businesses.
“The latest labor market indicators reflect both the challenges confronting the economy and the resilience of Filipino workers and businesses,” Balisacan said.
He said the government continues to monitor the impact of recent disruptions on jobs and livelihoods, including the Middle East crisis, the El Niño phenomenon and the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
“We remain committed to providing timely support to affected workers and households,” he said.
Balisacan said assistance is being rolled out under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, while the inter-agency El Niño Task Force will be reconvened to help protect jobs and livelihoods, particularly in agriculture.
Beyond immediate support, Balisacan said the government is working to strengthen business continuity and expand access to quality employment.
He said efforts are underway to broaden market access and attract investments in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence and other high-growth sectors, through stronger economic partnerships and initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Balisacan also stressed the need for closer collaboration between government and industry to equip workers with skills required by a fast-changing economy.
“The government is strengthening partnerships with the private sector to expand apprenticeship opportunities, improve certification systems, and support worker mobility toward high-value industries such as advanced electronics, renewable energy, and digital services,” he said.
He said the government is also integrating job-formalization pathways into temporary employment programs such as Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or TUPAD, to help workers move toward more stable, productive and higher-quality employment.
“These initiatives are essential to building a more resilient labor market that can withstand shocks while creating better opportunities for Filipino workers,” Balisacan said.