Labor force participation rate Philippines 2016-2023

In 2023, the labor force participation rate in the Philippines was 64.9 percent. The labor force participation rate in the country has been fluctuating over the past decade, with its lowest figure recorded in 2020. 

Labor force situation in the Philippines 

The labor force participation rate refers to the share of the population currently employed or actively looking for work. As a country with a predominantly young population, the labor market in the Philippines is robust, with a workforce that could drive economic growth. In 2023, the working-age population in the Philippines was estimated to have surpassed 77 million people, reflecting constant growth in recent years. Across gender, the labor force participation of women was significantly lower than for men, which stood at 71 percent.

COVID-impact on employment 

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in significant job losses in the Philippines as long periods of lockdown shuttered the economy. A survey in April 2021 reflected that around 45 percent of public transportation drivers lost their jobs due to the pandemic. In addition, 34 percent of workers in formal and informal services also experienced job losses. As a result, the unemployment rate reflected a slight increase during this period, although it was still lower than the rate of unemployment recorded in 2006.