In Cagayan Valley, the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in 2023 for males was recorded at 77.2 percent, 25.6 percentage points higher than the 51.6 percent recorded for females. The region's employment rate for males stood at 98.0 percent, reflecting a slight increase of 1 percentage points compared to the 97 percent employment rate for females.

Males also recorded a higher underemployment rate at 12.0 percent, compared to 8.6 percent for females.

In 2023, the employment rate for females increased to 97.0 percent, up from 94.9 percent in 2022, reflecting a 2.1 percentage point increase. Moreover, in both years, the employment rate for males remained higher, rising from 96.6 percent in 2022 to 98.0 percent in 2023. (Figure 2)

In 2022, the unemployment rate was higher with females recording 5.1 percent and males at 3.4 percent. By 2023, the unemployment rate for females decreased by 1.9 percentage points, bringing it down to 3.0 percent. Similarly, the unemployment rate for males declined by 1.4 percentage points. (Figure 3)

The underemployment rate for both males and females declined in 2023, with males recording 12.0 percent and females at 8.6 percent. This represents a decrease of 6.1 percentage points for males from the previous year's rate, while females experienced a reduction of 4.9 percentage points. (Figure 4)

In 2023, Elementary Occupations recorded the highest number of employed persons among the Major Occupation Groups, with 373 thousand male workers and 245 thousand female workers. This was followed by the Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery sector, where employment was predominantly male, with 286 thousand workers. Meanwhile, the Service and Sales sector had the highest concentration of female workers, totaling 181 thousand.

These three occupation groups accounted for the largest share of employment. On the other hand, the Armed Forces, Technical and Associate Professionals, and Clerical Support Workers recorded the lowest employment figures among the major occupation groups. (Figure 5)

By major industry group, agriculture and forestry remained the predominant employment sector, comprising 42.4 percent of the region's workforce in 2022 and slightly increasing to 42.7 percent in 2023.

Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, consistently ranked second, accounting for 16.9 percent and 15.7 percent of total employment, respectively.

Construction, as one of the top three industries, employed 8.0 percent of the workforce in 2022, increasing to 9.3 percent in 2023. (Figure 6)

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing emerged as the largest employment sector, with males having 449 thousand, compared to females with 195 thousand. Similarly, the construction industry is heavily male-dominated, employing 147 thousand males compared to only 2 thousand females.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing emerged as the largest employment sector, with males having 449 thousand, compared to females with 195 thousand. Similarly, the construction industry is heavily male-dominated, employing 147 thousand males compared to only 2 thousand females.

Meanwhile, wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles employed more females, with 160 thousand, and males, with 92 thousand. (Figure 7)

In 2023, the largest percentage of employed individuals were Junior High School graduates, with males accounting for 28.4 percent or approximately 283 thousand, slightly outnumbering females at 26.5 percent or 161 thousand.

Meanwhile, a significant gender gap is observed among college graduates, with females comprising 25.1 percent of employed individuals, equivalent to 152 thousand, significantly surpassing males by 11.6 percentage points. The number of employed male college graduates stood at 134 thousand. 

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN

(Chief Statistical Specialist)

Officer-in-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

EMDP/MJCC/MJNO/CDL