Philippines Roundup: National emergency over HIV, growing consumer pessimism, unemployment surges

National emergency over HIV

The Philippines is now experiencing the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific, with a 500% surge in new daily cases. From January to March 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 57 new HIV cases daily, totalling 5,101, including a 12-year-old from Palawan. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has urged President Marcos to declare a national public health emergency, warning the HIV crisis is a “bigger” problem than mpox. He stressed that a nationwide emergency would enable a whole-of-society response. Surveillance data shows a troubling trend: younger Filipinos are increasingly affected. The predominant age group shifted from 35–49 in the early 2000s to 25–34 starting in 2006. Cases among those under 15 surged by 133%, and among 15–24-year-olds by 106%.

Philippines' unemployment rises to 4.1% in April from 3.9% in March

The Philippine job market saw a modest dip in April as the unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, up from 3.9% in March, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This translates to about 2.06 million Filipinos out of work, slightly higher than the 2.04 million reported in April 2024, PSA Chief Dennis Mapa confirmed. The uptick comes amid ongoing economic challenges, including global trade disruptions, high inflation, corruption, and climate-related issues, which could further strain the country’s economy. Despite this, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development remains optimistic. Acting head Rosemarie Edillon said the labour market continues to show resilience and that the country is still on track to meet its 2023–2028 unemployment target of 4.4% to 4.7%.

Public sentiment sours on the state of the economy

Filipino consumers grew more pessimistic about the economy in the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising inflation, declining incomes, and limited job opportunities, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The BSP’s latest consumer sentiment survey showed the overall confidence index (CI) dropped to -13%, down from -11.1% in the previous quarter. While the index remains above the pandemic low in Q3 2020, it has yet to return to the positive sentiment recorded in late 2019 and early 2020. The BSP reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a manageable inflation, projecting a 2% – 4% target range from 2025 to 2027 to help foster investment and job creation.

Philippine embassy officially opens consulate in Botswana

The Philippines formally reopened its consular mission in Gaborone, Botswana, on 2 June 2025, after a temporary closure in March 2022. The inauguration was led by Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja, with Ms. Annelin Vista, a Botswana citizen of Filipino descent, appointed as Honorary Consul. Vista will assist Filipino nationals, promote Philippine trade and cultural ties, and provide consular services. Ambassador Baja emphasised the government’s commitment to serving the Filipino community and strengthening Philippines-Botswana relations, which date back to 1967. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, local government, and the Filipino diaspora. The ambassador also held a meet-and-greet with the Filipino community later that day.

Sweden, Philippines boost defence ties

Sweden has named Lt. Col. Anders Nikanorsson as its new non-resident defence attaché to the Philippines, following Manila’s recent appointment of a counterpart to Stockholm. Based in Bangkok, Nikanorsson will help advance Sweden’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Calling the Philippines a key maritime partner, Nikanorsson emphasised its role in promoting a rules-based global order. Ambassador Anna Ferry welcomed his appointment, noting it will enhance Sweden’s ability to engage on regional security issues. The move reflects Sweden’s growing defence focus on the Indo-Pacific, amid the region's rising geopolitical significance.