THE NUMBER of employed Filipinos increased to 50.66 million in June 2026, up from 49.63 million in May, according to the latest Labor Force Survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The figure also surpassed the 50.47 million employed during the same month last year.
National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the country’s employment rate stood at 95.1 percent in June, reflecting continued labor market growth despite economic headwinds.
The biggest employment gains were recorded in the accommodation and food service sector, which added 481,000 jobs, followed by administrative and support services (456,000), public administration and defense (440,000), education (354,000), and arts, entertainment, and recreation (168,000).
The country’s labor force participation rate also improved to 65.1 percent in June from 63.8 percent in May, equivalent to 53.25 million Filipinos aged 15 years and older who were either employed or actively seeking work.
Meanwhile, the underemployment rate slightly eased to 12.1 percent from 12.2 percent a month earlier.
Despite the increase in employment, the unemployment rate inched up to 4.9 percent in June from 4.8 percent in May, with the number of unemployed Filipinos estimated at 2.59 million.
Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said newly graduated workers are facing greater challenges in securing employment amid global economic uncertainties.
He noted that geopolitical tensions, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and a slowing economy have affected business expansion, salary growth, and hiring opportunities.
Ravelas said creating more entry-level jobs in the services, tourism, technology, and other youth-driven industries would help improve employment prospects for fresh graduates. (PNA)
