Fewer jobless Filipinos in September, but more seek extra work—PSA

The country's jobless rate eased slightly to 3.8 percent in September from 3.9 percent in August but remained higher than 3.7 percent in the same month last year, equivalent to 1.96 million unemployed Filipinos, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday, Nov. 6.

- By RICARDO M. AUSTRIA

This translated to an employment rate of 96.2 percent—slightly lower than 96.3 percent a year ago but higher than August's 96.1 percent. In absolute terms, the number of employed persons dropped to 49.6 million from 49.87 million in September 2024 and 50.1 million in August.

PSA data showed that the decline in unemployment was accompanied by a rise in the underemployment rate to 11.1 percent in September from 10.7 percent in August, although still lower than 11.9 percent in the same period last year.

PSA Chief Claire Dennis S. Mapa attributed the month-on-month increase in underemployment to the construction subsector-particularly the construction of buildings-as well as the manufacturing sector.

Mapa said calamities, flooding, and typhoons also affected employment, noting that weather disturbances tend to disrupt several industries. He added that the effects of the recent earthquake in Cebu may be reflected in the October data, if any impact is observed.

The year-on-year decline in employment was largely seen in the "other service activities" sector, which lost around 493,000 jobs, mostly from domestic services that fell by 573,000. Other industries contributing to the drop included administrative and support service activities (down by 356,000) and manufacturing (down by 302,000).