The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday welcomed the results of the January 2025 Labor Force Survey (LFS) showing the unemployment rate for January at 4.3 percent and the employment rate at 95.7 percent, saying the outcome gives them optimism on the future of the country’s labor market.
In a statement, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said they welcome the results of the January 2025 LFS mainly due to the higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate. He was referring to comparisons with the year-earlier figures.
“The unemployment rate has slightly decreased, signaling positive momentum in job creation. This improvement is complemented by an increase in the employment rate,” said Laguesma.
“The January 2025 Labor Force Survey presents a promising outlook for our labor market,” he added.
In the January 2025 LFS, the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent from 4.5 percent in January 2024.
Compared to the previous month, however, the number of jobless Filipinos rose by more than half a million in January, reflecting the end of Christmas seasonal employment, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.
On the other hand, the employment rate in January 2025 increased to 95.7 percent from 95.5 percent in January 2024.
Drop in underemployment
The DOLE chief also pointed to the decline in underemployment to 13.3 percent in January 2025 from 13.7 percent for January 2024.
“This indicates that more workers are securing adequate hours, which is a crucial step towards sustainable and quality employment,” said Laguesma.
Nevertheless, the DOLE said they are preparing to adopt interventions to address the observed decline in manufacturing, professional services, and construction jobs.
“Addressing these challenges is a priority, alongside fostering an environment that attracts investment and innovation,” he said.
The department also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Philippine labor market through evidence-based strategies and a whole-of-government approach.
“We remain dedicated to prioritizing creation of quality jobs, supporting underemployed workers and adapting to the changing labor landscape,” Laguesma added. ###
