The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Tuesday that underemployment rate, which measures workers seeking additional jobs or work hours, fell to 10.1 percent in February from 12.4 percent in February 2024.

Quality of employment continued to improve year-on-year, with more workers engaged in full-time employment (+1.7 million), middle- and high-skilled occupations (+1.1 million), and remunerative wage and salaried work (+151,000).

However, the unemployment rate increased to 3.8 percent in February, slightly higher than the recorded 3.5 percent during the same period last year, but still better than the target range of 4.8 to 5.1 percent for 2025.

This increase was mainly due to more young individuals seeking jobs in that period.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the government aims to swiftly pursue initiatives and fast-track the implementation of projects generating high-quality jobs.

“We will build on our momentum and intensify our efforts to secure strategic job-generating investments, promote a dynamic and innovative business environment, and diversify growth drivers. The continued rollout and implementation of high-impact infrastructure flagship projects, particularly in energy, transport, and digital connectivity, will boost domestic employment and business activity,” he said. NEDA Public Affairs