6 million employed Filipinos still looked for more work in May as underemployment eased

Underemployment dropped to 12.2% while Filipinos logged longer working hours, pointing to improving job quality for many workers.

Underemployment eased in May, with around 6 million employed Filipinos still looking for additional work, down by more than 1.3 million from the previous month.

Data from the showed the country’s underemployment rate improved to 12.2%, equivalent to 6.04 million individuals, from 15.2% or 7.41 million in April. The figure also improved from 13.1% recorded in May last year. Underemployment refers to people who already have jobs but are still seeking additional work, longer hours or higher-paying opportunities.

Filipinos also spent more time at work, averaging 41.1 hours per week in May, up from 40.2 hours in April and 39.8 hours a year earlier. Wage and salary earners remained the country’s largest group of workers, accounting for 64.3% of total employment, followed by self-employed individuals without paid employees at 27.2%.

The latest figures suggest more workers are finding steadier employment or longer working hours, helping ease income pressures for some households even as many Filipinos continue searching for better-paying jobs.

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