The number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 2.66 million in February this year from 2.96 million in January, reflecting improved labor conditions in the country, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Results of the PSA’s latest Labor Force Survey released on Wednesday, April 8, showed that the unemployment rate in February dropped to 5.1 percent from 5.8 percent the previous month.

In a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the Labor Force Participation rate (LFPR) was recorded at 63.8 percent, higher than the 62.3 percent observed in January.

The February 2026 LFPR translates to a total of 52.09 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above who were in the labor force.

The employment rate in February 2026 was recorded at 94.9 percent.

In terms of magnitude, the number of employed persons in February was 49.43 million, up from 47.94 million in January.

Underemployed persons or those who expressed desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer hours of work was recorded at 5.84 million, translating to an underemployment rate of 11.8 percent.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the government is stepping up efforts to protect jobs amid the Middle East conflict.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East will continue to affect global and domestic economic conditions and disrupt labor markets.

“Recent developments highlight the urgency to strengthen the resilience of our labor market. We must ensure that our policies and programs respond effectively to rapidly changing global conditions, especially for affected and displaced Filipino workers here and abroad,” he said.

In response to these risks, the government is implementing strategic measures identified by the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee under Executive Order 110.

“The measures aim to safeguard the national interest by mitigating the impact of the conflict and ensuring the stability or continuity of essential services, sustaining economic activity, and supporting incomes amid rising fuel costs,” Balisacan said.

Affected workers will receive timely support through cash assistance, rollout of the service contracting program, and fuel subsidy to vulnerable sectors.

The Department of Agriculture is also mobilizing its PHP1-billion quick response fund for fuel subsidies and biofertilizer procurement.

Public transport and farm workers can avail of emergency employment assistance through the Department of Transportation’s Service Contracting Program, and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.

The government will also strengthen efforts to promote renewable energy and electric vehicle ecosystems to support long-term resilience and workforce readiness.

“We expect an accelerated transition towards other sources of fuel and energy. Thus, we are building the skills, investment, and innovation ecosystem to support this move. Skills training programs on the operations and maintenance of renewable energy facilities and electric vehicles, including the needed parts and components, will also be provided to displaced workers,” Balisacan said.PNA