ILOILO CITY, Philippines — More and more Ilonggos have gained access to employment opportunities, according to the National Economic Development Authority-Region 6, as it revealed an increase in employment rate in the region during the past three years.
The NEDA-6 noted that, in 2010, the region posted 92.9 percent employment rate, which rose to 93.3 percent in 2011 and then to 93.5 percent in 2012.
In a radio interview, Cynthia Lumampao, chief of NEDA-6's Development Research Division, said the increase in employment opportunities indicates economic growth in the region, which is pegged at 7.5 percent, higher compared to the 6.8 percent national growth rate.
The growth in the economy in Western Visayas, as measured by gross regional domestic product (GRDP), has also been increasing in the past three years, she said.
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said that, from 4.5 percent in 2010, Western Visayas' economic growth went up to 6.2 in 2011 and eventually to 7.5 percent last year.
NSCB said the region's good economic performance was fuelled by the good performance in the industry and service sectors.
Services continued to comprise the bulk of the region's economy, accounting for 57.1 percent, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing and industry with 25.4 percent and 17.5 percent share, respectively.
NEDA-6 added that, along with the increase in employment rate, underemployment rate in the region also posted a decreasing trend from 26.7 percent in 2010, 23.1 percent in 2011 and 21.9 percent last year.
Earlier, Ilonggo Senate President Franklin Drilon announced five major infrastructure projects will be implemented in Iloilo soon and these will further spur economic growth in the province and the entire region.
These major infrastructure projects are the Iloilo River Flood Control Program, the Circumferential road, Improvement of Jaro-Leganes Road, Metro Iloilo Radial Road, and road project from Hechanova to Diversion Road.
These are not only expected to entice more investors, but also provide job opportunities to local residents, Drilon added. (FREEMAN)