The Philippine unemployment rate slipped to 3.8 percent in September, down from 3.9 percent in August, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The decline equates to approximately 1.96 million unemployed persons, compared with about 2.03 million in the previous month.
Despite the easing of unemployment, the underemployment rate increased during the same period. Underemployment—referring to workers who are employed but desire additional hours of work—rose to 12.5 percent, up from 12.0 percent in August. This signals that many workers remain without sufficient hours or full adjustment of their skills in their current jobs.
The labour-market profile for September reflects a mixed picture. While fewer people appear to be jobless, a larger number of those who are employed may still be working less than they want or in roles undershooting their capacity.
Analysts note that such conditions underscore the importance of monitoring job quality and work-hour adequacy, not just headline unemployment figures.
The PSA attributed the unemployment rate improvement to seasonal hiring and some uptick in labour demand, while noting that underemployment often remains elevated in sectors with part-time or casual work arrangements.
Economic recovery efforts and expansion in services and construction sectors are said to have contributed to the net improvement in job-seeking outcomes.