The total population in the labor force in Central Visayas in 2020 was estimated at 3.19 million

The total population in the labor force in Central Visayas in 2020 was estimated at 3.19 million individuals.  This was a decrease of 3.5 percent from the 3.30 million economically active persons in 2019. (Figure 1)

Among the provinces and HUCs in Central Visayas, provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental showed a slight increase in the total population in the labor force with 48 thousand and 612 thousand individuals, respectively. (Figure 1)

Meanwhile, provinces of Bohol and Cebu including the Highly Urbanized Cities (Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City) showed a decrease in the total population in the labor force in 2020. (Figure 1)

In 2020, Central Visayas including all provinces and Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) showed a decline in percentage for Labor Force Participation Rate as compared in 2019. (Figure 2)

The highest decrease is noted in Cebu Province from 60.4 percent in 2019 to 55.9 percent in 2020 or a 4.5 percent decreased. Followed by Cebu City with 63.5 percent and Lapu-Lapu City with 61.1 percent compared to 59.4 percent and 57.8 percent in 2019, respectively. (Figure 2)

In 2020, there are 2.86 million employed persons in Central Visayas. This is lowered by 270 thousand compared to the previous year with 3.13 million employed persons. (Figure 3) Meanwhile, in 2020, all provinces and HUCs in Central Visayas posted a decreased number of employed persons as compared in 2019. (Figure 3)

In terms of Employment Rate, Central Visayas registered a lower employment rate in 2020 with 89.7 percent from 94.8 percent in 2019. (Figure 4)

Siquijor province registered the highest percentage with 95.1 percent. Meanwhile, Cebu City registered the lowest percentage with 85.5 percent followed by Cebu Province with 88.4 percent. (Figure 4)

Also, Cebu City accounted with the highest decline of 7.6 percent from 93.1 percent in 2019 to 85.5 percent in 2020. (Figure 4)

There are about 327 thousand unemployed persons in Central Visayas for the year 2020. This is higher by 154 thousand in 2019 with 173 thousand unemployed persons. (Figure 5)

For the HUCs and Provinces in Central Visayas, Cebu Province accounted the highest unemployed persons with 146 thousand followed by Cebu City with 56 thousand unemployed persons. (Figure 5)

On the other hand, Siquijor province accounted the lowest unemployed persons with 2 thousand. (Figure 5)

In 2020, Central Visayas showed an increase in the Unemployment rate of 10.3 percent from 5.2 percent in 2019. (Figure 6)

Cebu City accounted the highest percent of unemployment rate with 14.5 percent followed by Cebu Province with 11.6 percent. Meanwhile, Siquijor Province accounted with the lowest percentage among provinces and HUCs with 4.9 percent. (Figure 6)

All provinces and HUCs showed an increase in Unemployment rate from 2018 to 2020. (Figure 6)

There are about 452 thousand underemployed persons in Central Visayas in 2020 which is lower by 8 thousand from 460 thousand in 2019. (Figure 7)

In terms of Underemployment rate, Central Visayas posted an increased in 2020 with 15.8 percent from 14.7 percent in 2019. (Figure 8)

Bohol Province accounted the highest percentage with 32.3 percent followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 15.7 percent. (Figure 8)

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental province accounted the lowest percentage with 7.1 percent. (Figure 8)

(SGD.) ARIEL E. FLORENDO
Regional Director