This matches the 3.1% recorded in December 2023 and marks the lowest unemployment rate in nearly two decades, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
The country's labor market remains robust, with 50.3 million employed individuals, led by the services sector, which accounts for 58.7% of total employment.
The construction and manufacturing sectors saw notable growth, adding 938,000 and 353,000 jobs, respectively.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan attributed these gains to infrastructure projects and improved conditions for manufacturing firms. However, employment in agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors declined due to weather disturbances and other challenges.
The underemployment rate slightly increased to 12.1%, highlighting a need for more full-time opportunities.
To address this, the government plans to enhance the business climate, attract investments, and expedite investment processes.
Efforts include promoting Industry 4.0 technologies and implementing the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0.
NEDA also advocates for the Apprenticeship Bill to equip youth with job-ready skills.
Secretary Balisacan emphasized the importance of creating high-quality, well-paying jobs to secure a better future for Filipino workers.
