THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports a slight dip in unemployment for September 2025, but behind the numbers lies a more complex story of the types of jobs Filipinos are finding and the challenges they face.
While the unemployment rate fell to 3.8%, the PSA’s own data reveals that many are finding work in sectors like construction, fishing, and food service. These jobs, while providing income, often come with lower wages, less job security, and challenging working conditions.
“The headline numbers are misleading,” says labor economist Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “Yes, more people are employed, but what kind of employment are we talking about? Are these jobs providing a living wage? Are they offering benefits and opportunities for advancement?”
The construction sector saw the largest increase in employment, with 514,000 additional workers. This surge is likely driven by the government’s infrastructure projects, but it also raises concerns about worker safety and labor standards.
“Construction work is physically demanding and often dangerous,” says Mang Tony, a construction worker in Manila. “We work long hours in the heat, and we don’t always have the proper safety equipment. But we have families to feed, so we do what we have to do.”
The rise in employment in fishing and aquaculture is also noteworthy. While this sector provides livelihoods for many coastal communities, it is vulnerable to climate change and overfishing.
“Our catch has been declining in recent years,” says Aling Ising, a fisherwoman from a small coastal village. “The weather is becoming more unpredictable, and the fish are harder to find. We’re struggling to make ends meet.”
The accommodation and food service sector also saw a significant increase in employment. While these jobs are readily available, they are often low-paying and offer little job security.
“I work as a waitress in a restaurant,” says Sarah, a young woman from Quezon City. “The pay is minimum wage, and I don’t have any benefits. But it’s better than nothing. I’m hoping to find a better job soon.”
The PSA data also reveals that underemployment remains a significant problem, with 5.52 million Filipinos working less than they would like to. This indicates that many workers are struggling to find enough hours or higher-paying jobs to support their families.
“The government needs to focus on creating more quality jobs,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “We need to invest in education and training, support small businesses, and promote industries that offer good wages and benefits.”
While the decrease in unemployment is a positive sign, it’s important to look beyond the numbers and understand the realities faced by Filipino workers. The challenge is not just to create more jobs, but to create better jobs that provide a decent living and opportunities for a brighter future.
