Service Sector Boosts Growth in Western Visayas

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Western Visayas saw a 16.1% increase in establishments and a 19.3% rise in employment in 2023 compared to 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VI.

The 2023 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE) reported a total of 85,644 establishments, up from 73,715 in 2021, with employment increasing from 444,341 to 530,194.

The service sector emerged as the dominant contributor, accounting for 74,445 establishments, or 86.9% of the total. It was followed by the industry sector with 10,158 establishments and the agriculture sector with 1,041 establishments.

Key drivers of growth included the wholesale and retail trade sector, along with the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Establishments in this sector rose from 36,598 to 41,224, while employment grew from 155,238 to 169,129.

Accommodation and food service activities also experienced significant growth. Establishments increased from 11,305 to 14,232, while employment surged from 45,745 to 71,533.

The manufacturing sector expanded as well, with establishments rising from 8,597 to 9,427 and employment increasing from 46,499 to 53,314.

In 2023, the region’s economy had a total value of PHP1.024 trillion, making it the fifth-largest among the 17 regions in the Philippines.

The ULE, conducted regularly by the PSA, provides a reliable sampling frame for establishment- and enterprise-based censuses and surveys.

Data from the List of Establishments (LE) are used for government policy formulation, monitoring, and implementing industry development programs. The private sector also utilizes the data for strategic planning.

An establishment, as defined by the PSA, is an economic unit engaged primarily in one kind of activity, under single ownership or control, and located at a single physical site.

The 2023 ULE was reviewed and cleared under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), as outlined in Rule 28 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10625.

The updating activity was conducted from May 2 to July 31, 2023, covering an estimated 1.6 million establishments nationwide. It also served as a preparatory phase for the 2023 Census of Philippine Business and Industry, conducted later that year.