11.2 percent Increase in Establishments and 21.6 percent Jump in Employment from 2022 to 2023

In 2023, the province of Marinduque had a total of 3,182 establishments in operation. Over the past few years, the province has experienced significant growth in both the number of establishments and total employment. The number of establishments rose from 2,753 in 2021 to 2,861 in 2022, and further increased to 3,182 in 2023, reflecting growth rates of 3.9 percent in 2022 and 11.2 percent in 2023.
Employment figures followed a similar trajectory of consistent growth. Total employment increased from 8,144 in 2021 to 8,458 in 2022, reaching 10,287 in 2023, with growth rates of 3.9 percent in 2022 and 21.6 percent in 2023.

Boac Leads in Both Number of Establishments and Workforce

By municipality, Boac, the provincial capital, leads with the highest number ofestablishments in the province, totaling 1,017 establishments, which accounts for32.0 percent of the total. Santa Cruz follows closely with 762 establishments, representing23.9 percent of the province’s businesses. Gasan (13.8%) and Torrijos (12.0%) alsocontribute significantly to the province’s economy, with 438 and 383 establishments,respectively. Mogpog (10.6%) and Buenavista (7.7%) have fewer establishments.

In terms of total employment, Boac stands out with 4,010 employees, making up 39.0 percent of the total workforce. Santa Cruz follows with 2,510 employees (24.4%).Mogpog, Torrijos, and Gasan each contribute notable portions to the employment landscape, with 1,099 (10.7%), 1,086 (10.6%), and 1,073 (10.4%) employees, respectively. 

Wholesale and Retail Trade: Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Dominates Both Establishments and Employment

By industry sector, the majority of establishments in Marinduque are concentrated in the Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles sector, which accounts for 1,641 establishments, or 51.6 percent of the total. Manufacturing follows with 505 establishments (15.9%). The Accommodation and Food Service Activities sector also plays a significant role, with 457 establishments (14.4%). These three sectors together represent the top industries with the highest number of establishments in the province.

On the other hand, the sectors with the fewest establishments include Mining and Quarrying (1 establishment), Construction, Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply, and Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management, and Remediation Activities (each with 9 establishments).

The sectors with the highest employment in Marinduque in 2023 are also the ones with the most establishments. The Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles sector employs 3,898 individuals. The Accommodation and Food Service Activities sector employs 1,543 people, and Manufacturing provides jobs for 1,366 workers.

Conversely, the sectors with the lowest employment include Mining and Quarrying (6 employees), Real Estate Activities (29 employees), and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities (33 employees).

Micro Enterprises Dominate Both in Numbers and Workforce

Of the 3,182 establishments in Marinduque in 2023, the vast majority, 3,076, falls under the Micro category (1 to 9 employees). Small establishments (10 to 99 employees) account for 103 establishments, while there is just one medium-sized establishment (100 to 199 employees) and two large establishments (200 or more employees). 

Furthermore, of the total employment across establishments in Marinduque, the majority, 7,278 employees, are working in micro establishments. Small establishments (with 10 to 99 employees) provide jobs for 2,005 individuals, while medium-sized establishments (with 100 to 199 employees) employ 102 people. Large establishments (200 or more employees) account for 902 workers.

Business Closures in Affected 409 Establishments Leads to 820 Job Losses

In 2023, 409 establishments in Marinduque are either permanently closed or temporarily stopped operations. Of these, 327 establishments were permanently closed. The breakdown of closures by year shows that 191 establishments closed before 2021, 88 establishments closed in 2022, and 35 establishments closed in 2023. 

Regarding employment, 820 jobs were associated with establishments that had permanently closed or temporarily stopped operations. Of these, 651 jobs were lost in permanently closed establishments. The employment breakdown by year shows that 25 jobs were lost in establishments that closed before 2021, 159 jobs were lost in 2021, 390 jobs were lost in 2022, and 77 jobs were lost in 2023.

In terms of the sex of persons holding the highest position in the establishments, morethan half of theseleadership roles are occupied by females. Intotal, 1,708 females(53.7%) hold the highest position, while1,474 males (46.3%)occupy these top roles.

(SGD)GEMMA N. OPIS
Chief Statistical Specialist
PSA PSO Marinduque