VIRAC, CATANDUANES – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Catanduanes confirmed that the lack of job opportunities is the primary reason for the departure, or migration, of residents from the province.
Based on PSA data, the population of Catanduanes decreased to 261,169 from the 271,879 recorded in 2020. This indicates a drop of 10,710 in the population within just four years.
According to Engr. Anavi Camacho, head of PSA-Catanduanes, the province’s population growth rate (PGR) has slowed, reaching a negative -0.96% per year from 2020 to 2024.
Camacho explained that the data is based on a census conducted on July 1, 2024, where residents were personally interviewed. She noted that individuals who were absent or had moved to other provinces at the time of the survey are not included in the count.
Aside from migration, the data also shows a decline in the number of births in the province. While the average number of babies born from 2020 to 2023 was around 4,000, this dropped to 3,550 in 2024. The town of Virac still holds the highest average, while Pandan and Viga recorded around 300.
Consequently, Camacho suggested that the local government create more job opportunities to prevent the continuous departure of citizens and to address their basic needs.
The province has recorded growth in the services sector in recent years, but agricultural production remains low, signaling the need for immediate action from the local government. | via Ferdinand M. Brizo | Bicol Peryodiko
