Northern Samar cited as top province in Eastern Visayas for employment
TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar emerged as the top province in Eastern Visayas for labor and employment in 2024, preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Region 8 said.
The province had a 98.1 percent employment rate and the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent. It also posted the lowest underemployment rate in the region at only 5.8 percent.
Biliran had the highest underemployment rate at 31.7 percent with an unemployment rate of three percent. Leyte followed with 18.9 percent underemployment and 3.1 percent unemployment.
Southern Leyte had 19.3 percent and 2.7 percent underemployment, and unemployment, respectively; Samar, 17.2 percent and 2.9 percent; Eastern Samar, 11.8 percent and 2.5 percent, and Tacloban City, 14.7 percent and 2.9 percent.
The Northern Samar provincial government attributed the development to enhanced local economic initiatives and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It expanded livelihood and skills training programs in collaboration with government agencies and local organizations.
“The provincial government has strengthened health as a foundation for productivity, invested in capacity building and climate resilience to safeguard livelihoods, and expanded opportunities that allow Nortehanons to enjoy stable and meaningful work.”
It highlighted Gov. Harris Ongchuan's leadership vision through his Health, Climate Resilience, and Opportunities (HCO) initiative.