‘Services sector leads Cordillera JOB MARKET at 46.3%, but agriculture and industry come next (38%, 15.8%)’ — Tabuk CPESO on employment trends

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The services sector accounted for the largest share of employment in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in 2025, reflecting continuing shifts in the region’s labor market, according to the City Public Employment Services Office (CPESO).

CPESO Manager Loyda B. Saboy said the services sector accounted for 46.3% of employment, followed by agriculture at 38.0% and industry at 15.8%.

Saboy presented the figures during the Career Opportunity Fair held on Sept. 18, 2026 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City, where she discussed employment trends and emerging opportunities for job seekers.

She said employment increased in agriculture and forestry, construction, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and public administration, indicating changing labor demand and the need for workers to develop skills suited to emerging opportunities.

Saboy also stressed that agriculture offers career options beyond traditional farming.

“Ang trabaho sa agriculture mahirap pero nu gamin manggeg tayo ti agriculture ket diay apan agarado, ag-raep, agmula ngem actually hindi naman,” she said.

Among the agriculture-related jobs she cited were agricultural technicians, food processing workers and livestock workers, as well as other technical and support positions.

She also cited opportunities in food processing, including the processing of local products such as Kalinga-brewed coffee.

Meanwhile, emerging fields expected to generate new career opportunities include artificial intelligence and digital technology, data and cybersecurity, renewable energy, electric and automotive technology, e-commerce and digital marketing, automation, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare services.

The Career Opportunity Fair, held as part of GANDAng HR: The Kalinga Public Service Convergence and the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, connected job seekers with potential employers and provided career guidance, employment coaching, skills development and information on local, national and international job opportunities.

The changing labor market underscores the need for job seekers, particularly young professionals, to continuously develop their skills and adapt to emerging career opportunities.