TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas recorded a decline in labor force participation and a rise in unemployment in 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Eastern Visayas experienced a slowdown in employment performance in 2025 as fewer residents participated in the labor force while unemployment figures increased compared to the previous year, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

During the Annual 2024–2025 Labor Statistics Press Conference, PSA Region VIII reported that the region’s Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) dropped to 60.5 percent in 2025 from 63.6 percent in 2024.

This means fewer people aged 15 and above were either employed or actively seeking work. The figure placed Eastern Visayas below the national average of 64.1 percent, making it the second lowest among all regions nationwide.

In actual numbers, the labor force in Eastern Visayas declined from about 2.13 million in 2024 to around 2.06 million in 2025.

PSA officials attributed the decrease to continuing economic challenges affecting jobs and household income in the region.

The unemployment rate also rose from 2.8 percent in 2024 to 3.9 percent in 2025, with around 79,000 individuals recorded as unemployed this year, up from 59,000 last year. Despite the increase, the region remained slightly below the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent.

Among provinces, Leyte posted the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent, while Northern Samar recorded the lowest at 1.0 percent. Northern Samar also had the highest employment rate at 99 percent, while Leyte posted the lowest at 94.7 percent.

Sector-wise, construction led job gains with about 22,000 new jobs, followed by transportation and storage with 10,000, and public administration and defense-related services with 8,000.

However, major job losses were recorded in agriculture and wholesale and retail trade, which shed about 55,000 and 37,000 jobs, respectively. Other service sectors also reported declines.

PSA also noted an increase in youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET), which rose from 14.3 percent in 2024 to 15.3 percent in 2025, signaling continued challenges in youth employment.

The services sector remained the region’s largest employer, followed by agriculture despite its decline.

(ROCHELLE T.MORILLA, LNU Student Intern)

TACLOBAN CITY — Several areas in Eastern Visayas continued to experience dangerous heat index levels on Wednesday, May 27, prompting authorities to urge residents to limit outdoor activities and protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.

As early as 9 a.m., the municipality of Guiuan recorded a heat index of 45 degrees Celsius, the highest in the region for the day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

A heat index refers to the temperature the human body feels when humidity is combined with the actual air temperature. PAGASA classifies heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C under the “danger” category, which increases the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke with prolonged exposure.

Local officials in Guiuan immediately reminded residents to avoid direct exposure to extreme heat, especially during peak afternoon hours, to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Other areas in Eastern Visayas also recorded high heat indices. Borongan,Eastern Samar logged 43 degrees Celsius, while Catarman in Northern Samar reached 44 degrees Celsius.
In Maasin, Southern Leyte the heat index climbed to 43 degrees Celsius. Both Tacloban,Leyte and Catbalogan in Samar registered 42 degrees Celsius, while Baybay,Leyte recorded 41 degrees Celsius.

Health authorities across the region warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high body temperature, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Residents were advised to stay indoors whenever possible, drink plenty of water, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and avoid strenuous physical activities under the sun.

Authorities also encouraged the public to check on children, senior citizens, and individuals with existing medical conditions who are more vulnerable to extreme heat.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

In its 62nd year, the Philippine Press Institute – the national association of newspapers and online publications – celebrates its milestone of trailblazing initiatives that benefit not just its members but the very communities they serve.

As digital innovations present both challenges and opportunities in terms of how news is produced and consumed, PPI tackles this transformative shift with twin goals – maintaining credibility amid a wave of disinformation and misinformation, and achieving sustainability through expanded revenue streams.

From June 4 to 6 at the Lucky Chinatown Hotel in Manila, PPI will hold its General Membership Meeting, Community Press Awards, National Press Forum, and PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion.

The Community Press Awards, supported by PPI’s long-time institutional partner Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), will be graced by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso. It will be followed by a fellowship dinner hosted by Megaworld Corporation, led by Mr. Harold Geronimo, First Vice President of Corporate Communications and Media Affairs.

The Community Press Awards will recognize journalism excellence of community media for the following categories: Best News Website, Best in Photojournalism, Best in Environmental Reporting, Best in Business and Economic Reporting, Best Editorial Page, and Best Edited Community Newspaper.

Finalists for Weekly Category include Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express, MetroPost, Mindanao Cross, Mindanao Observer, and Pahayagang Balikas; while the Daily Category finalists include Daily Guardian, Panay News, Sunstar Daily Cebu, Sunstar Daily Davao, and Sunstar Daily Pampanga.

Finalists for the Best News Website category are Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express and Palawan News for Luzon; Sunstar Cebu, The Freeman and The Visayan Daily Star for Visayas; and Mindanews and Sunstar Davao for Mindanao.

The National Press Forum will focus on the new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon, NAC Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Risk Management and Corporate Affairs; Chief Sustainability Officer; and Chief Risk Officer will deliver the keynote address.

Media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla, who has worked with dozens of newsrooms around the world on AI systems and newsroom innovation, will lead the lecture and hands-on workshop on AI use for community newsrooms.

The PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion will gather heads from the 14 MCCs across the country to discuss pressing issues within their respective communities.

The PPI’s 62nd anniversary is also being supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, SM Prime, SM Investments, Ayala Corporation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Japan Tobacco International, Meralco, Veterans Bank, Mondelez International Inc., and Neitiviti Studios.

A special supplement marking this milestone event to be published in Manila Standard is also supported City of Parañaque, City of Manila, Presidential Communications Office, PCSO, Prime Infra, Toyota Motor Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Apex Mining, Camella Homes, Pag-IBIG, Maynilad and Metrobank. (PR)