The employment rate or the proportion of employed persons to total labor force was estimated at 92.9 percent in October 2009. The employment rate in October last year was recorded at 93.2 percent.

The employment rate registered for April 2009 was 92.5 percent. This estimate is not significantly different from last year's figure of 92.0 percent. The latest survey also revealed that the size of the labor force in April 2009 was approximately 37.8 million out of the estimated 59.1 million population 15 years and older. This translates to a labor force participation rate of 64.0 percent. Compared to the labor force participation rate in April 2008 (63.2%), the April 2009 LFPR is higher.

Starting April 2005, the new unemployment definition was adopted per NSCB Resolution No. 15 dated October 20, 2004. As indicated in the said resolution, the unemployed include all persons who are 15 years old and over as of their last birthday and are reported as (1) without work; AND (2) currently available for work; AND (3) seeking work OR not seeking work due to valid reasons.

Summary: