14 April 2025 – TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN. The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office II (PSA-RSSO II) reported the January 2025 Employment level back-to-back with the March 2025 Inflation Report via a press conference on 14 April 2025 at the PSA-RSSO II Conference Hall, RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City.

The press conference gathered representatives from key Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) that includes the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Tuguegarao Branch (BSP-Tug), National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 02 (NEDA RO2), Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 02 (DTI RO2), Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 02 (DOLE RO2), and Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA RFO2). Media partners from PIA Cagayan Valley, Radyo Pilipinas, and Balitang Solid North were also present on the event.

Kicking off the session, Mary Jane C. Cabauatan, Supervising Statistical Specialist, delivered the highlights of the January 2025 Labor Force Survey, reporting the labor force participation rate, employment rate, unemployment rate, and underemployment rate. The region experienced a decrease in the number of employed persons compared to the previous quarter. 

Following the employment updates, Engr. Girme M. Bayucan, Officer-in-Charge of PSA-RSSO II, presented the March 2025 Inflation Report, revealing a regional inflation rate of 2.9%, a sharp decline from 3.9% in February. This downtrend was mainly driven by slower price movements in food and non-alcoholic beverages (43.0%), housing and utilities (25.2%), and restaurant and accommodation services (19.1%). 

As the presentations concluded, the discussion turned into a collaborative exchange of insights. Ms. Kathleen Evangelista, Labor Employment Officer III of DOLE RO2, identified key factors influencing recent employment dynamics: the migration of job seekers to economic centers like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao; and the disruptive impact of natural disasters on agriculture. However, Atty. Elaine Battung, Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA RO2, emphasized that despite these issues, the regional labor market remains well within stable bounds.

On the inflation front, Ms. Bernadatte Galoso, OIC Chief of DA RO2, detailed ongoing strategies to protect both producers and consumers of agricultural products, including crop diversification, and direct cash support to farmers through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program. Ms. Eva Lynne Marcos, Area Director of BSP-Tug, clarified a common misconception, stating that inflation rate hikes do not automatically result in interest rate adjustments—highlighting the BSP’s broader, data-driven approach to monetary policy. Mr. Jayvee Tuliao of DTI RO2, added that continued price monitoring efforts help stabilize local markets and ensure that pricing stays within fair and affordable levels.

The press conference was streamed live on the official Facebook page, PSA Cagayan Valley – Region 2, making the reports accessible to the general public and stakeholders across the region.

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN

(Chief Statistical Specialist)

Officer-In-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

EMDP/MJCC/MLLP/EKG