The unemployment rate in the Philippines eased to 4.7% in April 2026—its lowest level in four months—from 5.0% in March. The number of unemployed persons declined to 2.41 million from 2.58 million a month earlier. At the same time, the employment rate inched up to 95.3% from 95.0%, bringing total employment to 48.89 million.
The labor force participation rate, however, slipped to 62.7% from 63.3% in March.
By sector, employment gains were concentrated in agriculture and forestry, wholesale and retail trade, and accommodation and food service activities. Job losses were observed in other service activities, public administration and defense, and administrative and support service activities.
In terms of employment structure, services accounted for 62.3% of total employment, followed by agriculture with 19.4% and industry with 18.3%. Wage and salary workers represented 64.4% of total employment, the majority of whom were employed in private establishments. Average weekly hours worked rose to 40.2 from 39.9.
