Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin
 

The Philippines saw a remarkable rise in employment rates in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels due to effective nationwide hiring initiatives, especially targeting youth and job seekers. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported a 96.2 percent employment rate in October 2025, up from 94.9 percent in 2019, with unemployment decreasing to 3.8 percent. Despite the displacement of over 616,000 workers across 19,091 establishments from January to November, job programs significantly contributed to this positive trend.

 

Efforts included 2,176 job fairs that saw participation from 529,158 job seekers and resulted in 74,564 immediate hires. Youth-focused programs played a critical role, offering paid work and training opportunities. Over 151,316 students benefited from the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), earning more than P686 million, while 76,491 participants in the Government Internship Program (GIP) received P2.66 billion in stipends.

 

The success of these initiatives partly stemmed from strengthened Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and partnerships with the private sector. These collaborations effectively coordinated various job fairs and employability programs nationwide. As a result, total employment rose to 48.619 million in October 2025, marking an increase of 463,000 from the previous year, with more than 2.2 million job seekers referred to regional PESOs.

 

Looking forward, the Philippines showcased its commitment to public employment solutions by hosting the 2025 World Association of Public Employment Services–Asia Pacific Regional Conference in November. This event facilitated the exchange of best practices on employment partnerships among local and international delegates, reflecting a continuous drive toward improving job access and employability for its citizens, reported Manila Bulletin.

 

Key Takeaways

• The employment rate in the Philippines rose to 96.2% in 2025.
• Over 616,000 workers were displaced, yet job programs increased overall employment.
• Job fairs and youth programs were central to employment growth and skill development.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-12-29

 

 

 

This is good news for the Philippines.