The Philippines has recorded a high labor force participation rate this year, reflecting a large percentage of working-age Filipinos—15 years old and above—who are either employed or actively seeking work.
As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. committed to providing more jobs for Filipinos, the country recorded a higher labor force participation rate (LFPR) of 65.8 percent in May 2025, up from 63.7 percent in April 2025 and from 64.8 percent in May 2024, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
The latest participation rate translates to 52.32 million Filipinos aged 15 years old and above in the labor force, which is the highest recorded number since April 2005, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“Alinsunod sa commitment ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na mabigyan ng trabaho ang maraming Pilipino, nakapagtala ang Pilipinas ng mataas na labor force participation rate ngayong taon,” Castro said in a press briefing.
“Layon ng Marcos administration na pataasin pa ang bilang ng mga Pilipino na mabibigyan ng trabaho sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Castro added.
The higher LFPR resulted in an additional 1.58 million Filipinos entering the labor force since April 2025, when the labor force was estimated at 50.74 million. The labor force stood at 50.97 million in April 2024.
At the same time, the PSA reported that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in May 2025, compared to 4.1 percent in the same month last year.
“Masaya po at malugod na tinatanggap po ng Pangulo ang pag-uulat na iyan dahil nakikita po natin ang pagpupursige ng administrasyon para mabigyan ng magandang trabaho ang mga kababayan natin,” Castro said.
Malacañang said the government will continue to enhance employment opportunities through skills development programs, industry-matching initiatives, and job fairs. | PND
