The employment rate in the Philippines has risen, according to the latest Labor Force Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The number of employed individuals reached 96.1 percent, equivalent to 50.29 million Filipinos with jobs or businesses as of May.
This figure represents an increase of 1.62 million compared to April.
As a result, the unemployment rate decreased to 3.9% in May, down from 4.1% in April and the same month last year, translating to 2.03 million Filipinos without jobs.
Meanwhile, the underemployment rate, which reflects workers with insufficient income or those in jobs not aligned with their skills, was recorded at 13.1%.
PSA Chief and National Statistician Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa noted that among the sectors that saw an increase in employment were skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers; managers; clerical support workers; service and sales workers; and elementary teachers.