Gov’t data: 2.86-M Filipinos jobless at start of Q4 2026
The Philippines’ unemployment rate edged higher in September as the construction sector continued to shed jobs amid slower government infrastructure spending.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the jobless rate rose to 5.4% in September 2026, from 5.3% in August.
This translates to around 2.86 million unemployed Filipinos during the month.
Among the sectors, construction recorded the largest decline in employment, shedding 416,000 jobs compared with August and 271,000 jobs year-on-year.
The decline comes amid tighter scrutiny of public infrastructure projects following the flood control corruption scandal, which has affected the pace of government construction activities.
For Daniel Penpeña, the slowdown meant months of searching for work after he was laid off from his construction job.
Penpeña said his former employer had to reduce its workforce after failing to secure new projects, leaving nearly half of their workers without jobs.
He has since found employment assisting delivery truck drivers.
National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said slower government construction projects contributed to the decline in employment. She also cited rising prices of construction materials, particularly those used for the repair and maintenance of homes.
Local cement manufacturers have likewise felt the impact of weaker demand.
Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines President Reinier Dizon said the industry is hoping for a recovery in the fourth quarter, particularly through the resumption and implementation of Department of Public Works and Highways projects.
He noted that several projects were suspended and investigated during the same period last year.
Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, meanwhile, assured the public that the DPWH continues to bid out major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and flood mitigation structures.
Lopez said these projects are expected to improve public services and mobility while generating employment opportunities for Filipinos.
He also vowed to continue projects initiated by former Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, as well as those that have been delayed or left unfinished, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.
Agriculture was another sector that recorded a significant decline in employment, losing more than 200,000 workers in September.
Mapa said the effects of El Niño were already evident in agricultural production, including palay output.
The government has pledged to increase assistance to farmers, particularly as the country deals with the effects of the strong El Niño.
Malacañang said the implementation of more government projects would also help create jobs and ease the economic difficulties faced by Filipinos.
The Department of Labor and Employment, for its part, said it would continue working with employers, local government units, Public Employment Service Offices, and other partner agencies to improve job matching, promote youth employability, and expand livelihood opportunities.
Despite the increase in unemployment, the country’s underemployment rate declined to 11% in September, from 11.9% in August.
Underemployment refers to employed Filipinos who are seeking additional work or longer working hours to increase their income. – ANC, The World Tonight, November 6, 2026