CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Cagayan de Oro's urban economy has delivered a powerful message about the quality of life it offers its residents, posting significant gains in job stability and employment quality in 2025. According to Philippine Statistics Authority data, the city's employment rate climbed to 95.6 percent, up from 94.5 percent in late 2024. This effectively reduced the unemployment rate from 5.5 percent down to 4.4 percent.
The achievement places Cagayan de Oro at the forefront of Northern Mindanao's economic recovery. While the city's 95.6 percent employment rate sits just below the 96.3 percent regional average, the quality of available jobs sets it apart. The data reveals that Cagayan de Oro has successfully transitioned its workforce into a higher tier of employment, where jobs offer superior hours, higher security, and much greater stability than those found in surrounding agricultural corridors.
Underemployment Drops Sharply
The standout metric for the city lies in its dramatic reduction of underemployment. The rate plunged from 7.5 percent in 2024 down to 5.5 percent in 2025. This low figure indicates that the vast majority of employed residents now hold stable, full-time positions that provide sufficient income, sharply reducing the need for secondary, part-time work.
This achievement is magnified when compared to regional neighbors. Agricultural provinces like Bukidnon struggle with a massive 31.3 percent underemployment rate, meaning nearly one-third of the workforce is underemployed and seeking extra work to make ends meet. In contrast, Cagayan de Oro's low underemployment signals a mature, diversified urban economy that generates higher-quality employment opportunities.
A Stable Labor Force for a Growing Economy
The city's working-age population, aged 15 and over, reached approximately 544,000 in 2025. Within this baseline, the Labor Force Participation Rate experienced a minor retraction, dipping from 63.7 percent to 62.5 percent. This slight reduction suggests a stabilizing labor market where fewer residents are desperately seeking any available work.
While the city's participation rate trails Misamis Oriental's robust 72.3 percent, it remains comfortably ahead of Iligan City's regional low of 54.8 percent. The data cements Cagayan de Oro's position as a premium regional economic anchor. The jobs available within the city offer superior hours and much greater stability, providing a solid foundation for sustained growth in the real estate, services, and BPO sectors.
