Philippine Unemployment Crisis: Over 2 Million Filipinos Jobless in April

Unemployment in the Philippines Soars to Over 2 Million in April 2025 The Philippines is grappling with a concerning rise in unemployment, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reporting that over 2.08 million Filipinos were without jobs in April 2025. This represents a significant increase compared to the 1.9 million unemployed in March and February of the same year and accounts for 4.1% of the nation's workforce. The PSA's data reveals a particularly sharp increase in unemployment across several key sectors. "Lampas 2 million ulit ang mga walang trabaho sa bansa, makalipas ang dalawang sunod na buwan," stated a GMA News report, highlighting the severity of the situation. The report further indicated that underemployment, where individuals are employed but working below their capabilities, also saw a substantial increase to 7.09 million in April, compared to 6.44 million in March. This underscores a broader economic challenge beyond simple joblessness. The increase in unemployment is particularly concerning given the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth. The sectors most affected include services, defense and security, construction, and wholesale and retail. While the PSA did not offer specific reasons for this surge, the data clearly indicates a need for immediate attention and policy adjustments to address this growing crisis. Further investigation into the root causes of this unemployment spike is necessary to develop effective solutions and support those affected.