The Philippine labor market held its ground in April, even as early signs of strain emerged beneath the surface. Unemployment inched up slightly to 4.1 percent, from 4.0 percent a year earlier, yet the economy still managed to add more jobs and keep employment rates above 95 percent—a level considered healthy by most standards.
The country's annual inflation rate dipped slightly to 1.3 percent in May, down from 1.4 percent in April, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. While the decline is modest, it marks a continued deceleration in price increases, indicating a slower pace of inflationary momentum.
National rice stocks at the start of May were estimated at 2.37 million metric tons, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by the aggressive palay procurement efforts of the National Food Authority (NFA).
Ischaemic heart diseases remained the leading cause of death in the Philippines from January to November 2024, according to new data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Seasonal patterns boosted chicken and tilapia production in the first quarter but weighed on output of hogs, bangus, and galunggong, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Philippines will use its ASEAN chairmanship to push for stronger regional safeguards against energy supply disruptions and faster cross-border power connectivity as Southeast Asian energy ministers meet in Manila this week.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that around 300,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural haulers will receive ₱3 billion in fuel subsidies starting this month, aiding the sector amid El Niño impacts and persistently high fuel costs.
Therma Visayas told lawmakers that it sources coal from Indonesia and uses the Indonesian Coal Index in its power supply agreements, as a House inquiry into electricity reliability in the Visayas turned attention to both supply security and pricing transparency.
The Department of Agriculture is bolstering full-scale preparations for an intense El Niño, applying hard-won experience to safeguard farm output, secure food supplies, and protect farmers and fisherfolk from harm.