Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
WEF: Unemployment biggest threat facing Philippines
The Freeman
|January 19, 2026
Unemployment and lack of social protection against economic shocks are seen as the biggest threats to the Philippines in the next two years, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report.
-
Photo shows applicants at a jobs fair in Makati. PHILSTAR.COM
The Global Risks Report 2026 released by the WEF showed that lack of economic opportunity or unemployment was cited as the top risk for the Philippines in the next two years.
The report was based on the Executive Opinion Survey administered by the WEF between March and June 2025.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country's unemployment rate was at 4.4 percent in November 2025, down from the previous month's five percent, but higher than the 3.2 percent posted in November 2024.
In terms of magnitude, there were 2.25 million unemployed Filipinos in November last year, lower than the previous month's 2.54 million, but higher than the 1.66 million jobless Filipinos in November 2024.
This story is from the January 19, 2026 edition of The Freeman.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Freeman
The Freeman
A bit overwhelming
It was a disappointing ending for the country's darling, pride and joy when she crashed out of the Australian Open tennis singles and doubles matches, the first Grand Slam event of the year.
1 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
AMID WEAK PUBLIC SPENDING Cebu's private sector urged to spur growth
The private sector in Cebu and the wider Central Visayas region is being urged to take a more assertive role in driving economic growth as public spending weakens, with economists warning that the momentum of the country’s fastest-growing region cannot rely on government alone.
2 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Lea Salonga reveals separation from husband
Lea Salonga revealed that she has been separated “for a while” from her businessman-husband Robert Chien.
1 min
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Tomas pitches anti-noise ordinance, urges barangays to lead enforcement
Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has pushed for the passage of an anti-noise ordinance and strongly urged barangay officials to take the lead in its enforcement following a surge in complaints from residents affected by excessive noise.
2 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
TNT eyes 2-0 lead, SMB seeks equalizer
The TNT Tropang 5G gun for a 2-0 lead as they take on the defending champion San Miguel Beer in Game 2 of the best-of-seven PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals today (Friday, January 23) at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
1 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Oliver Moeller not closing doors to acting
FOCUSING ON CONTENT CREATION
3 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Council okays hiring of private hauler
TO DISPOSE OF MANDAUE CITY TRASH
2 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Latest 'Bridgerton' promises 'Cinderella with a twist'
The promoters of Bridgerton, the most English of TV series, chose Paris to launch the fourth series of the hit show whose key plotline promises to be \"Cinderella with a twist,\" according to star Yerin Ha.
1 min
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Knicks halt losing streak with record thrashing of Nets
The New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a record-breaking 120-66 obliteration of the Brooklyn Nets, the most lopsided victory in franchise history.
1 mins
January 23, 2026
The Freeman
Of school homecomings and class reunions
Tomorrow, the twenty-fourth of January, the Southwestern University High School Classes, including my class of 1966, are coming together inside a hotel in Metro Cebu in order to celebrate our GAHOM or Grand Alumni Homecoming.
3 mins
January 23, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size