The jobless rate of 5.3 percent translates to 2.77 million unemployed Filipinos; and in August, 470,000 were absorbed into employment, while 427,000 remained unemployed. This is according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, which has studied and analyzed the causality of the employment rates in the country.
Comparing the Rate to Last Year: Philippine Statistics Authority
Compared to August of last year, the 5.3 percent figure is a stark contrast to the 3.9 percent rate recorded in 2025. That said, there is some relief.
“The labor force participation rate increased to 64 percent from 63.6 percent, representing 52.56 million Filipinos in the labor force, up from 52.36 million. The employment rate also rose to 94.7 percent during the month from 94 percent, bringing the number of employed Filipinos to 49.79 million from 49.21 million”.
Underemployment Sinks, but Still High: Chinabank States
Economists at Chinabank posit that fresh graduates entering the workforce appear to have “been partly absorbed” by companies. “However, labor market conditions remain considerably weaker than a year ago, with both unemployment and underemployment still elevated.” Underemployment sank to 5.9 million Filipinos. This refers to individuals seeking longer hours or multiple jobs to sustain themselves.
Economic Outlook: Beyond the Market Lens
For economists, this figure would reflect the sluggish growth of the economy, an economy marred by rising costs of living, weather disruptions, and lower purchasing power. With the oil crisis still ongoing, —with fuel prices still higher than they were before—costs have trickled down to the motorists, logistics providers, fisherfolk, and ultimately, the end consumer. The increased cost of living leave some to speculate that the joblessness rate would see a downturn, as more Filipinos feel the effects of the cost of living.
Lived Experiences of the Everyday Filipino
Still, unemployment in an economy where sluggish growth and expensive cost of goods—which have risen by over 7 percent—equate to a softening of the overall market. Not just that, but the everyday Filipino must be considered. Beyond the investors, conglomerates, businesses, and institutions, the Filipino is undergoing an increased hardship that, with solid evidence, reflects in lower purchasing power, quality of life, and outlook.
Sociological studies have been under-published in seeking the effects of the daily life of the Filipino in light of current events. However, it is evident by the lived experiences of everyone that life has become harder. Joblessness rates for graduates; decreased absorption in companies; electricity, produce, meat, fish, oil, product costs.
Underemployment and Cost of Living: Two Factors in a Bleak Outlook
The two combined factors: underemployment and cost of living lead economists to speculate a weaker outlook on the growth of the economy. As studies suggest, a combination of the two provides a storm for lower spending.
Effective Policy Making, A Possible Savior in Light of Recent Events
It is up to the policy makers to combat, and hedge against, the externalities that have affected the population. Rain comes, but there are ways to lower its impact. Gas prices are up, but stockpiling oil can lower the volatility of prices. The cost of goods is up, but companies can sacrifice. It is through policy that the powers-that-be are forced to change and react better. Otherwise, the whole system is left unchecked. The spiral continues to undermine the lives of Filipinos.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to better the lives of Filipinos. In light of current events, and the sentiment of Filipinos, we offer a respite that guides people in navigating this tricky economy.
Informed Decisions with the Academy
At DOPAY, we offer a platform that allows informed decisions. Through the DOPAY Academy, with a suite of over 600 lessons covering financial concepts from remittance, trading, cryptocurrency, and everything in between, our aim is to financially enable every Filipino. We believe that through financial education, we spark a generation of better-equipped investors navigating the once-opaque landscape of investing.
Filling Niches Yet to be Served, Services We Offer
Despite—and in light—of the landscape, DOPAY fills a niche that specifically addresses pain points that other services have yet to fill; this is affordable remittance and simplified cryptocurrency trading. For Filipinos of all backgrounds: the Overseas Filipino Worker in Japan, the expert crypto trader, or the everyday kababayan, we hear your needs. DOPAY is an application that utilizes blockchain technology to enable transparent pricing and security for its remittance, fund transfer, and crypto trading services.
Incentive Programs for the Content Creators, Referrers, and the Traders
For those who seek to spread the benefits of the DOPAY application, we offer a Referral Program that awards referrers 70 pesos in ETH, and referred users 30 pesos in ETH. Terms and conditions apply.
For those who seek to Trade and Earn, we offer rebate incentives for crypto makers.
And for those who want to expand their content creation and spread the word—and the program—to their fan base, DOPAY offers the Video Affiliate program. Simply make a 15-second educational video and earn up to 3,000 pesos in ETH. You can spread this to your followers, and make it a competition worth participating in.
DOPAY is available for download on iOS and Android. Download now and discover what it can do for you.
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