DOLE Dismisses Post-Holiday Unemployment Rise as Seasonal Normalization
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) addressed concerns over the recent increase in unemployment in the Philippines, characterizing it as a typical occurrence following the holiday season. In an official statement, the agency emphasized that this uptick is part of what it terms "seasonal normalization" in the labor market, which often follows periods of heightened economic activity during holidays.
DOLE's Perspective on Labor Market Trends
DOLE explained that many workers transition out of temporary employment arrangements once holiday-related jobs conclude. The agency noted that the rise in the underemployment rate is similarly linked to post-holiday adjustments, with a reduction in working hours after the peak retail and tourism seasons. According to DOLE, numerous employees have returned to part-time or intermittent work while actively seeking more stable or additional income sources.
Labor Group Sentro Raises Alarm Over Unemployment Data
In contrast, the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) expressed significant concern regarding the escalating number of unemployed Filipinos. In a separate statement, Sentro highlighted data from the latest Labor Force Survey, describing a bleak picture of the Philippine labor market. The group pointed out that unemployment is on the rise again, with jobless rates climbing notably.
According to the survey, the unemployment rate for January 2026 reached 5.8 percent, marking a substantial increase from 4.3 percent in January 2025 and 4.4 percent in December 2025. This data underscores the growing disparity between official explanations and on-the-ground realities faced by workers across the nation.
