The Philippines has created 3.3 million more jobs within the past 12 months, but 1.4 million of them are unpaid work, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Arsenio Balisacan, Secretary of National Economic and Development Authority, described the recovered labour market as great news, and added that lifting previously existing employment restrictions had increased job prospects. However, Sonny Africa, executive director of the Ibon Foundation, said the unpaid work rise showed the struggle of those seeking employment in a low-paid industry. The figures were highlighted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic team without outlining the quality of the jobs created.

The Philippines has reported an increase in employment over the past 12 months to February 2023, up 3.3 million to a total of 48.8 million employed. This has led to a decrease in unemployment, from 6.4% in February 2022 to 4.8% in February 2023. National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan described it as a sign of recovery in the country’s economy as overnight restrictions are lifted. However, of the new jobs created, 1.4 million – 41% – were unpaid roles held by people working within family businesses. The Philippines defines an unpaid worker as someone from within a family who works without pay for their own family-operated farm business. Unpaid workers in total numbered more than 4.88 million in the country, exceeding that of government and government corporations numbering 4.59 million.