Central Visayas economic growth this year to boost job opportunities

Aster Caberte, director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7), says more jobs will be available this year. /Irene R. Sino Cruz

CEBU CITY, Philippines–The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7) says there will be more jobs created this year due to the projected growth in the region’s economy.

“As we celebrate Labor Day, we also rejoice at the positive economic performance of the region in 2018,” DTI regional director Aster Caberte said during the opening of the Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK).

The TNK is a business and jobs fair held Wednesday, May 1, to mark the Labor Day celebration.

According to Caberte, jobseekers could look forward to more jobs this year due to the region’s good economic performance.

“Central Visayas economy grew by 7.6 percent in 2018 on the back of the accelerated performance of industry and services,” she pointed out.

Services remained the top contributor to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP). However, industry grew the fastest, posting a 9.5 percent growth last year, Caberte said.

“The drivers of the accelerated growth were manufacturing and construction, which grew by 8.3 percent and 14.2 percent respectively,” she added.

As part of the TNK, DTI-7 conducted business orientation seminars for those interested in putting up a business. The agency also made available all services of the Negosyo Center, including business name registration.

DTI assists micro, small and medium enterprises by improving access to finance and expanding market access. It also helps strengthen MSME productivity and competitiveness. /dcb