Unemployment in January 2026 surges to highest since June 2022 at 5.8%

The agriculture and forestry sector sheds 1.42 million jobs in January 2026 amid climate disturbances

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ unemployment price jumped to its highest since June 2022 at 5.8% because the agriculture sector shed round 1.4 million jobs, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday, March 13.

The newest jobless determine interprets to 2.96 million unemployed Filipinos in January, larger than the 4.3% or 2.17 million jobless Filipinos recorded in the identical month final yr.

In the meantime, underemployment elevated to 13.2% or 6.35 million underemployed Filipinos from 12% or 5.81 million Filipinos in October 2025.

Whereas administration and help companies (403,000), public administration (342,000), and manufacturing (326,000) sectors noticed the very best will increase in employment, the agriculture trade misplaced 1.42 million jobs in January.

Deputy Nationwide Statistician Divina Grace del Prado attributed the sharp drop to seasonality of hiring, which often results in an uptick in employment throughout the “ber” months. However Del Prado additionally famous that climate disturbances could have led to job losses within the agriculture sector.

Del Prado added that the continuing battle within the Center East could have an effect on employment information in March as firms are inclined to go on hiring freezes or layoffs when inflation and oil costs rise.

“Pag ganitong tumataas ang presyo ng langis, lalo na affected ‘yung ating mga OFWs (abroad Filipino staff) na could mga na-repatriate na rin, it would have an effect on our labor market,” she stated.

(If oil costs rise, our abroad Filipino staff particularly shall be affected and repatriated, it would have an effect on our labor market.)

The Division of Financial system, Planning, and Improvement (DEPDev) stated the federal government is ramping up help for the nation’s workforce amid rising world uncertainties.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated the federal government goals to help the labor market by strategic insurance policies comparable to diversifying the economic system’s progress drivers, attracting funding in high-productivity sectors, and addressing excessive energy charges and low expertise adoption.

The federal government additionally plans to equip job seekers comparable to repatriated OFWs with the abilities they should pursue higher-value jobs or pursue entrepreneurship.

“Our precedence is obvious: create extra and higher jobs at house, strengthen industries, equip our staff with the abilities wanted for higher-value employment, and be sure that these affected by world disruptions, together with OFWs, can transition easily into productive alternatives right here within the Philippines,” the nation’s chief economist stated. – Rappler.com