DAVAO City has seen a steady increase in its employment rate over the past few years, according to the latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The city’s employment rate improved from 93.7 percent in 2021 to 95.8 percent in 2022 and 95.9 percent in 2023, based on the Labor Force Survey. While 2024 data is still pending, the trend suggests continued positive growth for the city’s workforce.
One of the driving forces behind this progress is the Davao Public Employment Services Office (Peso), which has played a key role in connecting job seekers with employers. From 2022 to 2024, PESO facilitated employment for more than 105,000 individuals, helping to keep unemployment levels low. During this period, a total of 148,844 job vacancies were opened across various industries. In 2022 alone, PESO recorded 75,733 job openings, resulting in 37,721 successful hires. The following year, 67,562 vacancies were posted, leading to 34,870 placements. As of 2024, 55,949 positions have been available, with 33,128 individuals securing employment.
Peso head Lilibeth Pantinople credited these results to the office’s proactive employment initiatives, including job fairs and placement programs. She also highlighted the impact of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program, which has provided temporary work opportunities for displaced and disadvantaged individuals.
The success of Peso’s job fair initiatives did not go unnoticed. In 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region (DOLE-Davao) recognized PESO with the Outstanding Job Fair Implementation award, acknowledging its high number of Hired-On-The-Spot placements.
Additionally, Peso received the Outstanding Placement and Achievement Award for maintaining a 90% or higher placement rate from January to October 2024, a testament to its efficiency in matching job seekers with employers.
To further streamline the hiring process, PESO has embraced technology through the PESO Employment Information System (PEIS), an online platform that allows employers to list job openings while enabling job seekers to apply directly. This digital tool has improved accessibility, making job placement faster and more transparent.
Looking ahead, PESO is set to expand its reach by establishing Barangay Employment Services Offices (BESOs) across Davao City. This initiative aims to bring job opportunities closer to residents, ensuring that employment information is easily accessible at the community level.
With its continued commitment to employment facilitation, PESO remains optimistic about sustaining Davao City’s growth by creating more job opportunities and improving the livelihoods of its residents. DEF