TACLOBAN CITY (PIA)—Eastern Visayas has reached a significant milestone in 2024, posting its highest employment rate in four years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In its latest report, the PSA said that 97.2 percent of the region’s labor force is now employed, up from 96.2 percent in 2023. This means 2.07 million people are working out of 2.13 million aged 15 years old and above.
“This is a sign that our economy is not only recovering—it’s getting stronger,” said Wilma Perante, PSA Regional Director for Eastern Visayas.
“More people are finding stable jobs,” she added.
The unemployment rate has dropped to just 2.8 percent, down from 3.8 percent last year, and is the lowest since 2021. In 2024, only 59,000 people were unemployed, a big improvement for the region.
Although the Labor Force Participation Rate (the number of people actively working or looking for work) slightly decreased to 63.6 percent, those who are working seem to be finding more stable and better-quality jobs.
The PSA also reported progress in addressing underemployment, or people who have jobs but want better or more hours. The rate dropped from 17.3 percent in 2023 to 16.2 percent in 2024—about 336,000 people.
“Underemployment shows there’s still potential in our workforce,” Perante explained.
“With better training, job matching, and support for local businesses, we can help people reach their full potential,” she added
She said that despite a few challenges, the overall picture is very positive—with employment rising and unemployment falling.
Perante called for continued investment in infrastructure, education, and local industries to create good, meaningful jobs for everyone.
“Our goal is to make sure that as our economy grows, our people benefit through quality jobs that support long-term success,” she said.
(RLA/PIA Eastern Visayas)
