Recto: Labor market remains strong in March

In March 2025, the country’s employment rate held at 96.1%—the same as in March 2024, reflecting sustained job creation.

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The unemployment rate also remained low at 3.9%, unchanged from the same period last year. This brings the average year-to-date (YTD) unemployment rate to 4.0%, below the government’s 2025 target of 4.8% to 5.1% under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

Meanwhile, the underemployment rate stayed relatively low at 13.4%, suggesting a steady improvement in job quality across sectors.

"It is encouraging to see that our labor indicators remain steady, but our work does not stop there. Our goal is not just stability, but continuous job growth. That's why the government is all hands on deck to meet the rapidly growing demand for specialized skills by expanding upskilling and reskilling opportunities for Filipino workers to align our labor market with global standards. Because a future-ready workforce is the backbone of a stronger economy," Secretary Recto said.

By broad industry group, the services sector continued to contribute the biggest share (62.0%) of employment in March 2025, followed by agriculture (20.1%) and industry (17.9%).