The number of unemployed Filipinos slightly declined in May 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PSA data showed that 2.03 million Filipinos were jobless in May, down from 2.06 million in April. This brought the unemployment rate to 3.9%, lower than the 4.1% recorded the previous month and in May 2024.

PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa attributed the drop to improved labor market conditions, with more Filipinos finding work in various sectors across the country.

The report also showed that underemployment — or those employed but still looking for additional income or working hours — went down to 6.6 million or 13.1% in May. This is a marked improvement from the 7.09 million or 14.6%reported in April.

Meanwhile, the number of employed Filipinos rose to 52.32 million, an increase from 50.74 million in April and 50.97 million in May last year. The figures reflect a growing labor force that is slowly recovering from previous economic slowdowns.

The PSA's Labor Force Survey was conducted from May 8 to 28, covering 11,083 households nationwide. It is a key government tool used to assess the current employment situation and guide policymaking in labor and economic planning.

Despite the positive trend, Mapa noted that continued efforts are needed to sustain job creation and reduce both unemployment and underemployment further in the coming months.