The Philippines recorded its highest unemployment rate for April since 2022, with the agriculture and retail sectors leading job losses, according to a Manila Bulletin report.
The agriculture sector, a traditional source of employment, saw significant declines, while retail trade — which had been recovering after pandemic lockdowns — also reported substantial job cuts. Analysts attribute the losses to ongoing supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer demand.
Labor officials noted that while the overall employment rate improved in other months, the April figures underscore an uneven recovery across industries. The government is expected to roll out targeted support programs for affected workers and businesses.