Philippines Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Philippines's labor force participation was 61.35% in 2025, ranked 94th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Philippines's labor force participation stood at 61.35% in 2025, a decline of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.33% by 2026. Philippines ranked 94th globally.
The labor force participation rate in the Philippines stood at 61.35% in 2025, ranking 94th globally, nearly unchanged from its 1990 level of 61.36% and slightly below that of peer country Luxembourg at 61.50%. The rate reached its historical peak in 2011 at 62.23%, reflecting a period of modest economic expansion and increased workforce engagement, before plummeting to an all-time low of 54.75% in 2020 due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns and economic disruption. The sharp decline underscored the vulnerability of informal employment, which constitutes a significant share of the labor market. Since 2020, participation has rebounded but remains below pre-crisis highs, indicating persistent structural challenges such as underemployment, labor migration, and uneven access to education and job opportunities. Compared to similarly ranked countries like the United Kingdom (61.37%) and Hungary (60.58%), the Philippines exhibits less labor market dynamism. Sustained improvement in labor force participation will likely depend on stronger job creation, expansion of formal employment, and investments in human capital. Without targeted labor market reforms, the rate may plateau around current levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 65.28% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 64.30% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.33% | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.35% | −0.05pp | #94 |
| 2024 | 61.40% | −0.02pp | #95 |
| 2023 | 61.42% | −0.02pp | #96 |
| 2022 | 61.44% | +4.97pp | #93 |
| 2021 | 56.47% | +1.72pp | #127 |
| 2020 | 54.75% | −4.70pp | #130 |
| 2019 | 59.44% | +0.46pp | #112 |
| 2018 | 58.98% | −0.16pp | #114 |
| 2017 | 59.14% | −2.45pp | #111 |
| 2016 | 61.59% | +0.19pp | #89 |
| 2015 | 61.41% | −0.77pp | #93 |
| 2014 | 62.17% | +0.73pp | #84 |
| 2013 | 61.45% | −0.29pp | #92 |
| 2012 | 61.73% | −0.50pp | #85 |
| 2011 | 62.23% | +0.80pp | #81 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Philippines matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippines's labor force participation was 61.35% in 2025. Ranked 94th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Philippines's labor force participation peaked at 62.23% in 2011.
The lowest labor force participation in Philippines was 54.75% in 2020.
Philippines ranks 94th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Philippines's labor force participation is projected to reach 63.33% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Philippines in 2025 was 61.35%. This ranks 94th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_philippines_labor-force-participation,
title = {Philippines Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/philippines/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}