From left: (1): Ms. Mary Jane C. Cabauatan, Supervising Statistical Specialist, during her presentation on the October 2024 Employment Report; (2) Engr. Girme M. Bayucan (OIC), during his presentation on the January 2025 Inflation Report.

10 February 2025 - TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN. The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office II (PSA-RSSO II) conducted the Press Conference on the October 2024 Employment back-to-back with January 2025 Inflation on 10 February 2025 at PSA-RSSO II Conference Hall, Regional Government Center (RGC), Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The press conference was attended by representatives from the Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Tuguegarao Branch (BSP-Tug), National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 02 (NEDA RO2), and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 02 (DTI RO2). Also present during the activity is Radyo Pilipinas DWPE Tuguegarao.

Ms. Mary Jane C. Cabauatan, Supervising Statistical Specialist of PSA-RSSO II, presented the employment situation of Cagayan Valley for October 2024 that focused on labor force participation rate, employment rate, underemployment rate, and unemployment rate. 

On the other hand, Engr. Girme M. Bayucan, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PSA-RSSO II, presented the inflation report of the Cagayan Valley Region for January 2025 that includes headline inflation rate across commodities and commodity groups.

During an open forum, Atty. Elaine Joy T. Battung, Senior Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 2, explained the factors behind the significant increase in the inflation rate compared to the previous year. According to Atty. Battung, the rise in inflation was primarily attributed to base effects, where the inflation rate in 2024 was relatively lower, making the current increase appear more pronounced. Additionally, she identified key contributors to the inflation surge, including the rising prices of tomatoes and the increasing costs associated with restaurants, cafés, and similar establishments.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), which serves as a crucial tool in assessing household income, consumption, and expenditure patterns and in rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), explained by          Engr. Bayucan and Ms. Cabauatan.

The press conference was broadcast on the agency’s official Facebook page, PSA Cagayan Valley – Region 2. 

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN

(Chief Statistical Specialist)

Officer-In-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

MDP/MJCC/MLLP/EKG