Abstract

The island province of Samar, the third largest in the Philippines, was classified in 1996 as a third-class province. At the same time, its newly established city of Catbalogan is categorized as first class. This study presents the factors affecting Catbalogan women before they join the labour force. The female labour force participation rate of Catbalogan is at almost eighty per cent, while that for the nation is just fifty per cent. Both employed and unemployed women perceive that their gender, age, civil status, and earnings of their husband and extended family members are insignificant factors in seeking employment. On the other hand, educational attainment, household status, and expected salary are considered very important factors. Catbalogan women seek employment primarily because they want to realize self-worth; this factor is followed by family-related reasons and boredom. Discouraged workers leave the labour force mainly because of a lack of motivation, failure in finding work, and family reasons.

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