In 2019, the unemployment rate in the Philippines was at approximately 2.24 percent and on a steady downward trend from 3.6 percent in 2014.

Souvenirs from overseas

The Philippines’ economy relies heavily on remittances from overseas, i.e. money sent home by Filipino emigrants and workers in other countries. In 2016 alone, approximately 30 billion U.S. dollars were received as remittances in the Philippines, and the amount seems to increase significantly every year. This makes the Philippines one of the leading countries worldwide when it comes to receiving remittances, only surpassed by India and China.

Visitors from overseas

The Philippines’ economy is stable, not only because of remittances, but also because of a flourishing services sector, which is now the main generator of GDP in the country; tourism and IT in particular contribute to economic growth. More than half of the Philippines workforce is employed in services.

The youth unemployment rate in the Philippines increased by 0.1 percentage points (+1.48 percent) in 2023. In total, the youth unemployment rate amounted to 6.85 percent in 2023. The youth unemployment rate of a country or region refers to the share of the total workforce aged 15 to 24 that is currently without work, but actively searching for employment. It does not include economically inactive persons such as full-time students or the long-term unemployed.Find more key insights for the youth unemployment rate in countries like Cambodia and Timor-Leste.

Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.

Philippines PH: Unemployment Rate data was reported at 5.725 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 5.475 % for 2016. Philippines PH: Unemployment Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 8.500 % from Dec 1986 (Median) to 2017, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.825 % in 2004 and a record low of 5.475 % in 2016. Philippines PH: Unemployment Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.IMF.IFS: Labour Force, Employment and Unemployment: Annual.

Based on the preliminary estimates for 2023, the unemployment rate in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) in the Philippines was at 5.9 percent, significantly lower than the previous year’s estimates. The region’s unemployment rate peaked in 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Which Metro Manila city has the highest unemployment rate? Valenzuela City had the highest unemployment rate among other cities in Metro Manila in 2022, which was estimated at 9.3 percent. This was followed by the cities of Caloocan and Malabon. Meanwhile, the capital city of Manila had an unemployment rate of about 8.6 percent. The region’s labor force participation rate has been steadily increasing since 2018, although it remains to have one of the lowest employment rates nationwide. Daily minimum wages in Metro Manila As of June 2024, workers in the non-agricultural industries in the National Capital Region (NCR) had a minimum wage of 573 Philippine pesos – the highest nationwide. Despite agriculture not being the leading industry in the region, workers in the agricultural plantation industries also had the same daily minimum wage. In 2022, the Philippines had one of the highest minimum monthly wages in the Asia-Pacific region.

Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region XII: Soccsksargen data was reported at 3.600 % in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.300 % for Jul 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region XII: Soccsksargen data is updated quarterly, averaging 4.300 % from Jul 2004 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.800 % in Jul 2004 and a record low of 2.200 % in Jan 2015. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region XII: Soccsksargen data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G014: Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate.

Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region VIII: Eastern Visayas data was reported at 3.900 % in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.700 % for Jul 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region VIII: Eastern Visayas data is updated quarterly, averaging 5.000 % from Jul 2004 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.500 % in Jul 2004 and a record low of 3.000 % in Oct 2016. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region VIII: Eastern Visayas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G014: Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate.

The National Capital Region (NCR) was estimated to have the highest unemployment rate in the Philippines in 2023 at 5.9 percent. The region's unemployment rate was higher than the nationwide average. In contrast, Region II or the Cagayan Valley Region had the lowest estimated unemployment rate that year.

This dataset provides values for UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region III: Central Luzon data was reported at 6.000 % in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.300 % for Jul 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region III: Central Luzon data is updated quarterly, averaging 8.750 % from Jul 2004 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.300 % in Jul 2004 and a record low of 5.400 % in Apr 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region III: Central Luzon data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G014: Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate.

In 2022, Valenzuela City had the highest unemployment rate in the whole of Metro Manila in the Philippines at 9.3 percent. In comparison, the city of Manila had an unemployment rate of 8.6 percent. In that year, NCR had the highest unemployment rates nationwide.

Philippines unemployment rate for 2023 was 2.23%, a 0.37% decline from 2022.

• Philippines unemployment rate for 2022 was 2.60%, a 0.8% decline from 2021.
• Philippines unemployment rate for 2021 was 3.40%, a 0.88% increase from 2020.
• Philippines unemployment rate for 2020 was 2.52%, a 0.29% increase from 2019.

Philippines Unemployment Rate: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao data was reported at 3.800 % in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.300 % for Jul 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.700 % from Jul 2004 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.200 % in Jan 2005 and a record low of 1.500 % in Apr 2009. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G014: Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate.

Philippines youth unemployment rate for 2023 was 6.85%, a 0.11% increase from 2022.

• Philippines youth unemployment rate for 2022 was 6.74%, a 1.75% decline from 2021.
• Philippines youth unemployment rate for 2021 was 8.49%, a 1.44% increase from 2020.
• Philippines youth unemployment rate for 2020 was 7.05%, a 0.27% increase from 2019.

Preliminary estimates indicated that the employment rate in the Philippines was at 95.7 percent, or equivalent to about 58.18 million people in 2023. The employment figures in the country plummeted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data was reported at 2.800 % in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.700 % for Jul 2018. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.050 % from Jul 2004 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.000 % in Jul 2004 and a record low of 2.100 % in Oct 2017. Philippines Unemployment Rate: Region II: Cagayan Valley data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G014: Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate.

In 2023, the labor force participation rate in the Philippines was 64.9 percent. The labor force participation rate in the country has been fluctuating over the past decade, with its lowest figure recorded in 2020. Labor force situation in the Philippines  The labor force participation rate refers to the share of the population currently employed or actively looking for work. As a country with a predominantly young population, the labor market in the Philippines is robust, with a workforce that could drive economic growth. In 2023, the working-age population in the Philippines was estimated to have surpassed 77 million people, reflecting constant growth in recent years. Across gender, the labor force participation of women was significantly lower than for men, which stood at 71 percent. COVID-impact on employment  The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in significant job losses in the Philippines as long periods of lockdown shuttered the economy. A survey in April 2021 reflected that around 45 percent of public transportation drivers lost their jobs due to the pandemic. In addition, 34 percent of workers in formal and informal services also experienced job losses. As a result, the unemployment rate reflected a slight increase during this period, although it was still lower than the rate of unemployment recorded in 2006.

Arbeidsledighetsraten på Filippinene gikk ned til 3,10 prosent i desember fra 3,20 prosent i november 2024. Gjeldende verdier, historiske data, prognoser, statistikk, diagrammer og økonomiske kalender - Filippinene - Arbeidsledighet.

Abstract

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) aims to provide a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market. Specifically, the survey is designed to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment for the country, as a whole, and for each of the administrative regions, including provinces and key cities.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

Individuals 15 years and over.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sampling design of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) uses the sampling design of the 2003 Master Sample (MS) for Household Surveys that started July 2003.

Sampling Frame

As in most household surveys, the 2003 MS used an area sample design. The Enumeration Area Reference File (EARF) of the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) was utilized as sampling frame. The EARF contains the number of households by enumeration area (EA) in each barangay. This frame was used to form the primary sampling units (PSUs). With consideration of the period for which the 2003 MS will be in use, the PSUs were formed/defined as a barangay or a combination of barangays with at least 500 households.

Stratification Scheme

Startification involves the division of the entire population into non-overlapping subgroups called starta. Prior to sample selection, the PSUs in each domain were stratified as follows: 1) All large PSUs were treated as separate strata and were referred to as certainty selections (self-representing PSUs). A PSU was considered large if it has a large probability of selection. 2) All other PSUs were then stratified by province, highly urbanized city (HUC) and independent component city (ICC). 3) Within each province/HUC/ICC, the PSUs were further stratified or grouped with respect to some socio-economic variables that were related to poverty incidence. These variables were: (a) the proportion of strongly built houses (PSTRONG); (b) an indication of the proportion of households engaged in agriculture (AGRI); and (c) the per-capita income (PERCAPITA).

Sample Selection

To have some control over the subsample size, the PSUs were selected with probability proportional to some estimated measure of size. The size measure refers to the total number of households from the 2000 CPH. Because of the wide variation in PSU sizes, PSUs with selection probabilities greater than 1 were identified and were included in the sample as certainty selections.

At the second stage, enumeration areas (EAs) were selected within sampled PSUs, and at the third stage, housing units were selected within sampled EAs. Generally, all households in sampled housing units were enumerated, except for few cases when the number of households in a housing unit exceeds three. In which case, a sample of three households in a sampled housing unit was selected at random with equal probability.

An EA is defined as an area with discernable boundaries within barangays, consisting of about 150 contiguous households. These EAs were identified during the 2000 CPH. A housing unit is a structurally separate and independent place of abode which, by the way it has been constructed, converted, or arranged, is intended for habitation by a household

Sample Size

The 2003 Master Sample consist of a sample of 2,835 PSUs of which 330 were certainty PSUs and 2,505 were non certainty PSUs. The number of households for the 2000 CPH was used as measure of size. The entire MS was divided into four sub-samples or independent replicates, such as a quarter sample contains one fourth of the PSUs found in one replicate; a half-sample contains one-half of the PSUs in two replicates. Thus, the survey covers a nationwide sample of about 51,000 households deemed sufficient to measure the levels of employment and unemployment at the national and regional levels.

Strategy for non-response

Replacement of sample households within the sample housing units is allowed only if the listed sample households had moved out of the housing unit. Replacement should be the household currently residing in the sample housing unit previously occupied by the original sample.

Sampling deviation

Starting the July 2003 round of the Labor Force Survey, the generation of the labor force and employment statistics adopted the 2003 Master Sample Design. - Using this new master sample design, the number of samples increased from 41,000 to around 51,000 sample households.

• The province of Basilan is grouped under Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao while Isabela City (Basilan) is now grouped under Region IX. This is to adopt the regional grouping under Executive Order No.36.
• The 1992 four-digit code for Philippine Standard Occupational Classification (PSOC) and 1994 Philippine Standard Industry Classification (PSIC) were used in classifying the occupation and industry.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Abstract

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) aims to provide a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market.

Specifically, the survey is designed to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment for the country as a whole, and for each of the administrative regions.

Importance of the Labor Force Survey:

a. It provides a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market towards 1) creation and generation of gainful employment and livelihood opportunities 2) reduction of unemployment and promotion of employment 3) improvement of working conditions 4) enhancement of the welfare of a working person b. It provides statistics on levels and trends of employment and unemployment and underemployment for the country and regions; c. It is used for the projection of future manpower, which when compared with the future manpower requirements, will help identify employment and training needs; d. It helps in the assessment of the potential human resource available for economic development; and e. It identifies the differences in employment, unemployment, and underemployment according to the different economic, social and ethnic groups existing within the population.

Geographic coverage

The geographic coverage consists of the country's 17 administrative regions. The 17 regions are:

Region I - Ilocos,
Region II - Cagayan Valley, Region III - Central Luzon, Region IV-A - Calabarzon, Region IV-B - Mimaropa Region V - Bicol,
Region VI - Western Visayas,
Region VII - Central Visayas,
Region VIII - Eastern Visayas,
Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula,
Region X - Northern Mindanao,
Region XI - Davao,
Region XII - Soccksargen,
Region XIII - National Capital Region (NCR),
Region XIV - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR),
Region XV - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Region XVI - Caraga.

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The LFS has as its target population, all household members of the sample housing units nationwide. A household is defined as an aggregate of persons, generally but not necessarily bound by ties of kinship, who live together under the same roof and eat together or share in common the household food. Household membership comprises the head of the household, relatives living with him such as his or her spouse, children, parent, brother or sister, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, grandson or granddaughter, and other relatives. Household membership likewise includes boarders, domestic helpers and non-relatives. A person who lives alone is considered a separate household.

Persons who reside in the institutions are not within the scope of the survey.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sampling design of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) uses the sampling design of the 2003 Master Sample (MS) for Household Surveys that started July 2003.

Sampling Frame

As in most household surveys, the 2003 MS used an area sample design. The Enumeration Area Reference File (EARF) of the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) was utilized as sampling frame. The EARF contains the number of households by enumeration area (EA) in each barangay. This frame was used to form the primary sampling units (PSUs). With consideration of the period for which the 2003 MS will be in use, the PSUs were formed/defined as a barangay or a combination of barangays with at least 500 households.

Stratification Scheme

Startification involves the division of the entire population into non-overlapping subgroups called starta. Prior to sample selection, the PSUs in each domain were stratified as follows: 1) All large PSUs were treated as separate strata and were referred to as certainty selections (self-representing PSUs). A PSU was considered large if it has a large probability of selection. 2) All other PSUs were then stratified by province, highly urbanized city (HUC) and independent component city (ICC). 3) Within each province/HUC/ICC, the PSUs were further stratified or grouped with respect to some socio-economic variables that were related to poverty incidence. These variables were: (a) the proportion of strongly built houses (PSTRONG); (b) an indication of the proportion of households engaged in agriculture (AGRI); and (c) the per-capita income (PERCAPITA).

Sample Selection

To have some control over the subsample size, the PSUs were selected with probability proportional to some estimated measure of size. The size measure refers to the total number of households from the 2000 CPH. Because of the wide variation in PSU sizes, PSUs with selection probabilities greater than 1 were identified and were included in the sample as certainty selections.

At the second stage, enumeration areas (EAs) were selected within sampled PSUs, and at the third stage, housing units were selected within sampled EAs. Generally, all households in sampled housing units were enumerated, except for few cases when the number of households in a housing unit exceeds three. In which case, a sample of three households in a sampled housing unit was selected at random with equal probability.

An EA is defined as an area with discernable boundaries within barangays, consisting of about 150 contiguous households. These EAs were identified during the 2000 CPH. A housing unit is a structurally separate and independent place of abode which, by the way it has been constructed, converted, or arranged, is intended for habitation by a household

Sample Size

The 2003 Master Sample consist of a sample of 2,835 PSUs of which 330 were certainty PSUs and 2,505 were non certainty PSUs. The number of households for the 2000 CPH was used as measure of size. The entire MS was divided into four sub-samples or independent replicates, such as a quarter sample contains one fourth of the PSUs found in one replicate; a half-sample contains one-half of the PSUs in two replicates. Thus, the survey covers a nationwide sample of about 51,000 households deemed sufficient to measure the levels of employment and unemployment at the national and regional levels.

Strategy for non-response

Replacement of sample households within the sample housing units is allowed only if the listed sample households had moved out of the housing unit. Replacement should be the household currently residing in the sample housing unit previously occupied by the original sample.

Sampling deviation

Starting the July 2003 round of the Labor Force Survey, the generation of the labor force and employment statistics adopted the 2003 Master Sample Design. - Using this new master sample design, the number of samples increased from 41,000 to around 51,000 sample households. - The province of Basilan is grouped under Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao while Isabela City (Basilan) is now grouped under Region IX. This is to adopt the regional grouping under Executive Order No.36. - The 1992 four-digit code for Philippine Standard Occupational Classification (PSOC) and 1994 Philippine Standard Industry Classification (PSIC) were used in classifying the occupation and industry.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

ISH FORM 2 (LFS questionnaire) is a four-page, forty four-column questionnaire that is being used in the quarterly rounds of the Labor Force Survey nationwide. This questionnaire gathers data on the demographic and economic characteristics of the population.

On the first page of the questionnaire, the particulars about the geographic location, design codes and household auxiliary information of the sample household that is being interviewed are to be recorded. Certifications by the enumerator and his supervisor regarding the manner by which the data are collected are likewise to be made on this page.

The inside pages of the questionnaire contain the items to be determined about each member of the sample household. Columns 2 to 11 are for the demographic characteristics; columns 2 to 7A are to be ascertained of all members of the household regardless of age. Columns 8 to 9 are asked for members 5 years old and over, while column 10 is asked for members 5 to 24 years old, column 11, for 15 years old and over, while columns 12 to 16 are asked for members 5 years old and over. Items 18 to 44 on the other hand, are the series of items that will be asked of all the members 15 years old and over to determine their labor force and employment characteristics.

Most of the questions have pre-coded responses. The possible answers with their corresponding codes are printed at the bottom of the page for easy reference. Only the appropriate codes need to be entered in the cells.

Other items, however, require write-in entries such as column 14 (primary occupation) and column 16 (kind of business/industry), etc. For such items, it is required that the enumerator describes the primary occupation or kind of business/industry.

Cleaning operations

Data processing involves two stages: manual processing and machine processing.

Manual processing is done at the provincial offices. This is the general review of the questionnaires. This process includes the folioing of the questionnaires, completeness and consistency checking of the responses, editing and coding of responses. This is done prior to machine processing. The average output per day is 50 questionnaires.