ILOILO City – Despite the separation of Negros Occidental province, Western Visayas’ labor market remains resilient, with top regional officials confirming that the region’s employment figures continue to improve.
At the 2024 Regional Economic Performance briefing, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 6 officer-in-charge Nelida Amolar emphasized the region’s robust job market, particularly driven by the thriving services sector.
“Our services sector continues to be a major driver of employment, particularly in business process outsourcing, information and communications technology, and the creative industries,” Amolar said, emphasizing how platforms like Facebook are helping shape a digital economy that creates new job opportunities.
Her comments came in the wake of concerns that the re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR), which previously included Negros Occidental, might negatively affect the region’s economic and labor data.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6 director Engineer Arecio Casing Jr. addressed these concerns, stating that post-separation data reveal a positive trend.
“After the separation, Western Visayas has recorded better employment figures, with an improved unemployment rate,” Casing pointed out. “This clearer data show that even without Negros Occidental, Western Visayas is thriving.”
The region’s economic performance remains strong, with three key sectors leading the growth: professional and business services (13.69%), electricity, steam, water, and waste management (13.52%), and human health and social work activities (13.49%).
These sectors are fueling investments and generating new job opportunities, positioning the region as an economic powerhouse, PSA data show.
Amolar concluded by reinforcing the optimism for continued success, stating, “Western Visayas is not just surviving — it is moving forward.”/PN
