Caloocan cuts underemployment rate

MANILA, Philippines - The Caloocan City government said yesterday it reduced the local underemployment rate to around 12 percent from 20 percent seven years ago.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri said one of the main factors in the reduction of unemployment in the city is the improved peace and order situation, which convinced investors “to set up shop” in Caloocan.

According to the city Labor Industrial Relation Office, underemployment in the city fell to only 12 percent as compared to 20 percent before Echiverri assumed his post. LIRO said the city government made available a total of 114,061 jobs to residents through job fairs.