Cebu City, Cebu — The underemployment rate in Central Visayas continues to be a major concern particularly after it nearly breached the 20 percent mark in 2012, data from the National Economic and Development Authority 7 (NEDA 7) reveals.
With an underemployment rate nearing 20 percent, this means that one out of five employed persons in the region is underemployed, the report indicated.
However, the NEDA-7 situation report points out that in the last two quarters of last year, underemployment in the region has been on a gradual decline, with the number of underemployed workers dropping below 20 percent by the end of last year.
“The region’s annual underemployment rate just about approximated the national average of 20 percent after showing initial signs of eclipsing the Philippines’ average,” NEDA-7 said.
The number of persons being accepted in higher quality jobs has continued to increase, contributing to recent improvements in the underemployment rate.
Still, NEDA-7 assistant director Efren Carreon stressed, “Both private and public sectors in the region need to double their efforts not only to generate more job opportunities but also provide quality jobs.”
Meanwhile, Central Visayas’ employment rate in 2012 has been increasing, reaching 93.5 percent in October last year after starting the year at 92.5 percent.
Compared to 2011, however, the region’s employment rate was lower for most of 2012, averaging 92.9 percent against 93.3 percent in 2011. This is below the set target of at least 93.5 percent in employment in 2012.
Compared to the national average, Central Visayas registered an employment rate in 2012 of less than the 93 percent Philippine average. The year before, 2011, saw a better employment situation with the region exhibiting an annual employment rate higher than the national average.
Earlier, University of Asia & the Pacific economic professor Bernardo Villegas said that Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas region could improve its underemployment rate and provide employment opportunities across for the skilled and educated population by re-enforcing an attraction in seeking employment in the manufacturing sector.

Source: Manila Bulletin - July 23, 2013