Unemployment dips at start of ‘Ber’ months
Seasonal hiring activity at the start of the “ber” months gave a slight boost to employment in September, but the overall labor market remained broadly stable.
Data reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday showed that the unemployment rate stood at 3.8 percent in September, covering some 1.96 million jobless Filipinos. This was down from August’s 3.9 percent or 2.03 million.
Still, year-on-year, it was higher than the 3.7 percent recorded in September 2024.
This can be attributed to the decline in the competitiveness of exports, according to Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona.
“The holiday season does bring in a lot of temporary or contractual forms. This has always been the case. However, as the competitiveness of our exports has declined, the year-on-year unemployment rose with layoffs occurring in the export sector,” he said.
The jobless rate was little changed from the previous month and year, partly due to a decline in labor force participation, which fell to 64.5 percent or 51.56 million in September from 65.1 percent or 52.13 million in August. It was also lower than the 65.7 percent or 51.77 million tallied in September 2024.
According to the PSA, the drop in participation was mainly attributed to household duties, a return to schooling and temporary illness. Some individuals were also reportedly waiting for the results of their job applications.
Despite this, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development said the Marcos administration would continue pursuing measures to create stable, high-quality jobs, especially for informal and young workers.
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The construction sector accounted for the largest increase in employment, adding 514,000 jobs from September 2024. This was followed by fishing and aquaculture with 313,000, and accommodation and food service activities with 307,000 new workers.
PSA National Statistician and Undersecretary Dennis Mapa said the rise in accommodation and food service jobs was likely seasonal, as businesses ramped up hiring ahead of the holiday rush.
