The number of unemployed Filipinos rose to 2.22 million in December, PSA data showed.
Boosted by the full resumption of commercial activities, pent-up demand, and holiday spending, top employment contributors in December include wholesale and retail trade, other service activities, and accommodation and food service activities.
In a press conference, PSA head Dennis Mapa said the unemployment rate has declined to the pre-pandemic levels since July 2022 after jumping to 17.6 percent in April 2020 when the government had imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As the economy further reopened, the National Economic and Development Authority said the corresponding expansion in the services and industry sectors resulted in an additional 2.7 million employed persons year-on-year, bringing total employment to 49 million Filipinos.
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