Davao’s unemployment rate declines to 2.9% – DOLE XI

DAVAO’s unemployment rate remained the lowest among all regions, standing at 2.9% in 2023, in contrast to the national average of 4.2% in the same period.

During a press conference on Jan 30, Maria Lourdes Lim, National Economic Development Authority XI regional director noted that the unemployment rate declined to 2.9% in October 2023, lower than the reported 3.5% in October 2022.

“This commitment is demonstrated through the implementation of strategic initiatives and policies including but not limited to training and skills development programs, employment facilitation initiatives, and adherence to labor laws and regulations,” Lim said.

The data given by the Philippine Statistics Authority XI also indicated that the employment rate increased from 94.5% (2021) to 96.5% (2022), to 97,1% (2023).

Atty. Jason Balais, Department of Labor and Employment XI assistant regional director, said the reduction of unemployment rates could be attributed to the average growth of establishments after the pandemic, an increase in tourist receipts, growth in construction jobs, and the increased assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that had generated more job opportunities.

“We are grateful to our employers for sustaining the gains, particularly in terms of compliance to labor standards and laws, and the prevailing favorable industrial relations climate,” Balais said.

Balais said they will continue to conduct online and onsite job fairs, also known as the employment facilitation program through the PESO employment, information system, and PhilJobNet.

“Almost on a daily basis, job fairs are conducted in the local government units through our PESO,” he added.

He said they will also intensify the implementation of the Labor Laws Compliance System.