Baguio: The Department of Labor and Employment in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) credited the region's high 97.8 percent employment rate to the strong collaboration among local government units (LGUs), agencies, and stakeholders.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-CAR Regional Director Imelda Romanillos highlighted the role of LGUs in facilitating operations through Public Employment and Services Offices (PESO) in all municipalities, which aid in the hiring process for businesses. Romanillos emphasized the collective efforts of government agencies, non-government organizations, employers, and job seekers in achieving this employment milestone.
During the opening of the World Caf© of Opportunities (WCO) job fair at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, Romanillos acknowledged the importance of community cooperation. The WCO event aims to connect Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholars and alumni with potential employers and livelihood providers.
A subsequent job fair hosted by the Civil Service Commission offered over 1,000 permanent government positions, further supporting employment initiatives in the region.
According to the June 2025 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Cordillera posted a 97.8 percent employment rate, alongside 2.2 percent unemployment and 14 percent underemployment. This reflects an improvement from May's 97.3 percent employment rate.
Romanillos noted that the employment figures encompass workers aged 15 to 64 across both government and private sectors, with the services sector leading the way, followed by industries such as agriculture, construction, and mining.
She attributed the success to frequent job fairs led by PESOs and DOLE, and the support from other government agencies in providing essential documents for job seekers. Romanillos also emphasized the importance of programs like 'Trabaho Para sa Bayan,' co-chaired by DOLE and the Department of Trade and Industry, in bolstering job creation efforts.
Despite the progress, Romanillos acknowledged the continuing challenge of addressing the remaining 2.2 percent unemployment rate and urged stakeholders to sustain and build on the achievements.
