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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Skills demand, youth hiring spur late-year labor market rebound – DOLE

Skills demand, youth hiring spur late-year labor market rebound – DOLE

Published Jan 8, 2026 02:09 pm

At A Glance

  • Skills demand, youth hiring drive late-year labor market rebound.
  • Labor force at 51.52 million, total employment at 49.26 million.
  • Youth employment rises to 88.3%, underemployment eases to 5.11 million.
  • Over 2.2 million jobseekers assisted, 93% placement rate by PESOs.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
A surge in demand for skilled workers and the yearend recovery of business activity boosted job opportunities and strengthened labor market conditions, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported on Thursday, Jan. 8.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employment gains were concentrated in higher- and middle-level skill occupations.
Technicians, professionals, and managers were in strong demand.
Youth employment also rose, climbing to 88.3 percent in November from 85.9 percent in October.
The Philippine Statistics Authority’s November 2025 Labor Force Survey showed the labor force reached 51.52 million, with total employment at 49.26 million and underemployment easing to 5.11 million.
Month-on-month unemployment fell to 4.4 percent in November from 5.0 percent in October, as businesses ramped up operations ahead of the holiday season.
Employment facilitation also supported labor market gains, with Public Employment Service Offices assisting over 2.2 million jobseekers from January to November 2025 and achieving a 93 percent placement rate.
“The DOLE, together with partners in the public and private sectors, remains focused on fostering economic growth and creating quality jobs for the benefit of all Filipinos,” the department said.

Related Tags

DOLE labor market employment youth employment skills demand Philippine Statistics Authority
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