“Many buildings are now being constructed, and the National Housing Authority has targeted a higher number of housing units to be constructed. So, that also means employment of skilled workers, masons, carpenters, helpers, electricians, plumbers, etcetera,”  he cited.

On the other hand, Balais said that the 47 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the region in 2023 showed that the region’s tourism industry employed a considerable amount of workforce.

He added that as tourist arrivals increase in the region, especially in the future, more employment opportunities will be opened to the locals.

“Kung daghang turista (If there are many tourists), what does that mean? daghang driver sa van ang kailangan, daghang tourist guide ang kailangan, daghang waiter ang gikinahanglan sa mga establishment, daghang mga trabahante sa (there will be many van drivers needed, many tourist guides needed, many waiters needed in establishments, many workers in) resorts, hotels, etcetera," he said.

He said that aside from the regular conduct of job fairs, the PESOs of the local government units are also holding job fairs on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile,  as the unemployment rate declines in the Davao region, the employment rate has consistently been in an upward trend since 2021, based on the data from PSA—from 94.5 percent in 2021, 96.5 percent in 2022, and 97.1 percent in 2023.

The consistent increase is a result of the region’s “robust economic landscape and effective employment strategies,” NEDA XI regional director Maria Lourdes Lim reported during the year-starter press conference. 

Balais commended the local employers for sustaining the gains, particularly in ensuring all labor standards and labor laws were complied with.

He disclosed that there were no major labor disputes recorded in the region in 2023. (ASO/PIA-XI)