The Philippines' unemployment rate surged to 5.8% in January 2026—the highest since June 2022—up sharply from December 2025's 4.4%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This affected 2.96 million unemployed Filipinos, with agriculture losing 1.42 million jobs due to weather disturbances.
On March 13, 2026, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the unemployment rate climbed to 5.8% in January 2026, a significant increase from 4.4% in December 2025 and 4.3% in January 2025. This equates to 2.96 million unemployed individuals, up from 2.26 million the prior month and 2.17 million a year earlier.
Underemployment rose to 13.2%, impacting 6.35 million Filipinos, compared to 8% in December. While sectors like administration and support services (+403,000 jobs), public administration (+342,000), and manufacturing (+326,000) posted gains, agriculture and forestry shed 1.42 million jobs due to weather disturbances.
Deputy National Statistician Divina Grace del Prado attributed the agriculture decline to seasonal patterns disrupted by weather, noting typical hiring rises in 'ber' months were absent. She also flagged risks from Middle East conflicts, potentially affecting March data via OFW repatriations amid inflation and oil prices.
"Pag ganitong tumataas ang presyo ng langis, lalo na affected ‘yung ating mga OFWs na may mga na-repatriate na rin, it might affect our labor market," she said.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) outlined support measures amid global uncertainties. Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized economic diversification, investment attraction in high-productivity sectors, tackling high power rates, and skilling programs for job seekers, including repatriated OFWs, for higher-value jobs or entrepreneurship.
"Our priority is clear: create more and better jobs at home, strengthen industries, equip our workers with the skills needed for higher-value employment, and ensure that those affected by global disruptions, including OFWs, can transition smoothly into productive opportunities here in the Philippines," he said.
