Neda underscores measures to address unemployment in Western Visayas

BACOLOD. The National Economic and Development Authority in Western Visayas reported that employment and unemployment rates in the region in July 2020 were 93.7 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively. The underemployment was 10.4 percent. (File photo)
BACOLOD. The National Economic and Development Authority in Western Visayas reported that employment and unemployment rates in the region in July 2020 were 93.7 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively. The underemployment was 10.4 percent. (File photo)

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in Western Visayas has presented measures to address unemployment in the region amid the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Neda-Western Visayas Regional Director Ro-ann Bacal, during the 54th Cabinet Assistance System (CAS) virtual meeting recently, said the total labor force of the region was at 3.2 million with labor force participation rate of 60.8 percent in July 2020.

Bacal said the region's employment rate was 93.7 percent while unemployment and underemployment rates were 6.3 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively, also during the first half of the year.

"Based on a report from the Department of Labor and Employment, the top three industries in the region affected by the pandemic were wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food service activities, and transportation and storage facilities," she added.

Among the recommendations raised to address unemployment as one of the adverse effects of the global pandemic included the continued implementation and finishing of infrastructure projects with the hiring of local workers.

Neda-Western Visayas recommended the provision of support to the agriculture and fisheries sector and the gradual but careful opening of agri-business and the economy.

The regional director said there's a need for the redesigning of work spaces to observe physical distancing and ensure safety of workers.

Bacal also suggested the mobilization of agriculture extension workers from various agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges under the overall direction of the Department of Agriculture as the oversight agency.

The processing of business permits for new and renewing enterprises should also be expedited, she added.

Meanwhile, the CAS meeting participants included Secretary Karlo Nograles and regional directors of Neda in Eastern and Central Visayas, among others.

They discussed the importance of prioritizing food security, agri-fishery and livelihood assistance in the 2021 budget call.

The meeting was an offshoot of the Social Weather Station study that points to the Visayas area as the most problematic when it comes to hunger and unemployment.*

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