MANILA — The country’s unemployment rate rose to 5.0 percent in October 2025, up from 3.9 percent in October 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

The PSA said the number of unemployed Filipinos increased to 2.54 million in October 2025, higher than the 1.97 million recorded in the same month last year. However, the figure was slightly lower than the 2.59 million unemployed in July 2025.

Employment in October 2025 was recorded at 95.0 percent, down from 96.1 percent in October 2024. The total number of employed persons increased to 48.62 million, from 48.16 million a year earlier.

By sector, the Services sector accounted for the largest share of total employment at 60.6 percent, followed by Agriculture at 21.5 percent and Industry at 17.9 percent. Among sub-sectors, Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles had the highest employment share at 20.0 percent, followed by Agriculture and Forestry (19.0%) and Construction (9.7%).

The PSA also reported that six regions posted unemployment rates higher than the national average of 5.0 percent. These were: CALABARZON (6.4%), Bicol Region (6.2%), Eastern Visayas (6.1%), Zamboanga Peninsula (6.1%), National Capital Region (5.7%), and Western Visayas (5.4%).

Underemployment, referring to employed persons who desire additional hours or another job, dropped to 12.0 percent in October 2025 from 12.6 percent a year earlier. About 5.81 million employed individuals expressed the desire for more work during the period.

Youth labor participation also showed mixed results. The labor force participation rate for those aged 15 to 24 increased to 31.4 percent, but the employment rate in this group fell to 85.9 percent. The proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training rose to 13.0 percent.