The global downturn took its toll on the Filipino economy: industry sank by 6.6 percent during the first quarter of 2009, total exports contracted to negative double digit figures and unemployment rate increased to 7.7 percent in 2009. More than 1.4 million Filipinos fell below the poverty line. What lacked in the stimulus package was compensated by local development initiatives.

For more information on the job crisis and recovery in The Philippines, please visit the ILO Job Crisis Observatory