TACLOBAN CITY — An increasing number of young people in this city are considering employment opportunities outside Eastern Visayas as they seek better-paying jobs, broader career paths, and improved prospects for long-term financial stability.
Students, recent graduates, and young professionals have increasingly voiced concerns over the limited availability of stable and competitive employment within the city.
Discussions on social media platforms and community forums reflect a growing sentiment that career advancement often requires relocating to larger economic centers such as Cebu City, Metro Manila, or even overseas.
While Tacloban remains the regional center of Eastern Visayas and continues to attract investments in trade, education, and government services, many young workers say the local labor market has yet to generate enough opportunities to match their career aspirations.
Some have turned to online freelancing, remote work, and digital entrepreneurship to supplement their income, while others have opted to seek employment in other regions where salaries and career growth opportunities are perceived to be more competitive.
In response to youth employment challenges, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has intensified efforts to improve job access through various programs, including JobStart Philippines, the Government Internship Program (GIP), and regular job fairs.
According to the Philippine Information Agency, about 100 young Taclobanons recently completed the DOLE-led JobStart Program, which equips participants with life skills training, technical skills development, and internship opportunities designed to improve employability.
DOLE Region 8 has likewise expanded its employment facilitation services through both physical and online platforms. In December 2025, a regional job fair in Tacloban offered nearly 1,000 vacancies from 38 participating employers, with 45 applicants hired on the spot.
More recently, the agency launched “HIRE Eastern Visayas,” a digital employment platform aimed at connecting job seekers with employers and improving access to available opportunities across the region.
Despite these initiatives, concerns persist among some sectors regarding the pace of economic growth and the availability of high-quality jobs in the city. Local observers have pointed to the need for increased investments, infrastructure development, and private-sector expansion to create more employment opportunities for young professionals.
For many Tacloban youths, the decision to leave is not necessarily driven by a lack of attachment to their hometown, but by the pursuit of better career prospects and financial security. As competition in the labor market continues to intensify, many view migration—whether to other Philippine cities or abroad—as a practical step toward achieving their professional goals.
(LANCE GABRIEL ENTERESO,LNU Student Intern)
