ILOILO CITY – Iloilo’s employment sector improved in the first quarter of 2025, the city government has announced Thursday.
The Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) reported that over 7,000 job applicants were recorded in the Statistical Performance Reporting System (SPRS) from January to March, with January seeing the highest number of applicants.
More than 92% of referred job seekers secured employment, reflecting a strong labor market.
Key in-demand positions included customer service representatives, sales associates, and service crew, while hard-to-fill roles included instructors, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists.
PESO also noted that many applicants were college graduates, though a significant portion had no prior work experience. Meanwhile, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program benefitted over 4,000 individuals, further supporting local employment.
Alongside the positive job market trends, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through its Provincial Health Office (PHO), launched the Healthy Youth, Healthy Future Program, a province-wide initiative to promote mental health, disease prevention, and adolescent well-being.
The program—in collaboration with the PHAPCares Foundation, Department of Education-Iloilo, and the Department of Health -Western Visayas—was initially rolled out in Pototan, Mina, and Carles towns across the Iloilo province.
It gathered over 700 students, educators, and health advocates during its March 31 launch at the Pototan Astrodome.
Under this program, young Ilonggos will gain access to health education, counseling services, and preventive care, addressing urgent issues like mental health awareness, adolescent pregnancy, and non-communicable diseases.
The initiative aligns with the MoRProGRes Iloilo development framework that prioritizes holistic growth and access to essential health services.
With employment opportunities expanding and proactive health programs taking root, Iloilo continues to strengthen its commitment to economic progress and youth empowerment in 2025.