Sanchez, Ma. Theresa C.

Rural Labor and Nonagricultural Activities in the

Philippines. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. August 1994
The rural sector is characterized by the presence of various linkages between the
agricultural and the nonagricultural sectors. The potential for growth of the rural
nonagricultural sector in terms of employment and income generation largely
depends on the agricultural sector. Labor has the tendency to move out of
agriculture with the increase in agricultural productivity and reduced labor
requirements per unit of output especially when the rural population is increasing
(Islam, 1988). A rise in farm income increases the demand for nonfarm goods and
services being produced in the local economy. A higher demand for these goods
provides the incentive to rural nonfarm enterprises to expand output and hire more
workers. The expansion of employment is possible since most of the rural nonfarm
enterprises are small requiring less capital relative to labor (Edgrenand Muqtada,
1990; p.33). The experience of the rural sector in the Philippines diverges from in
the aforementioned view. As presented in the following discussions, it appears that
the proportion of the rural labor force engaged in agriculture tends to decline not so
much in response to increased agricultural productivity, but rather due to low labor
absorption in the agricultural sector, pressure from increased poverty, and overall
unemployment and underemployment in the rural sector. This section examines the
overall nature and structure of the rural labor in the Philippines. In particular, it
looks at how the presence and growth of rural nonagricultural activities have
affected the structure of the labor markets.

http://myfootpath.com/careers-jobs/rewarding-top-careers/10-rural-jobs/
Career #1: Registered Nurse
As the largest healthcare occupation overall (there are over 2.6 million nurses
employed across the country), nurses comprise a significant portion of rural
employment and employment continues to grow. Nursing is among the most
challenging yet rewarding healthcare professions available, offering the chance to
form real bonds with patients while making lasting, substantial improvements to
their health.
With aging population requiring more frequent and intensive care, nursing
occupations are expected to grow more than twice as fast as the national average
in the coming decade. In some areas, nursing facilities may even struggle to find
enough qualified candidates to replace an aging nursing population. In rural areas,
registered nurses earn an average of $55,000 per year.

Career #2: Accountants and Auditors

As financial and tax regulations become more complex, professional help is more
crucial than ever to help manage budgets and tax documents. Accountants and
auditors help individuals manage their finances and tax documents, and help
organizations adhere to regulations and run efficiently.
As the economy continues to recover, accountants and auditors will be in greater
demand, and employment numbers for the field are expected to grow much faster
than the national average for all occupations in the near future. Accountants and
auditors earn an average of $55,500 annually in rural areas.

Career #3: Construction Manager

The regulations concerning new buildings and building renovation have grown
increasingly complex. This means those in charge of construction sites must have
the skills and knowledge to not only manage the project at hand, but to do so within
the guidelines set forth by local, state, and federal regulations. Thats where
construction managers come in.
Employment for construction managers is expected to grow rapidly in the coming
decade, though jobs will be dependent on the housing market at the time.
Construction managers in rural areas earned an average of $73,500 per year.

Career #4: Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense both medicine and expertise to patients, and particularly in
rural communities, they tend to form lasting relationships with the patients they see
on a regular basis.
The increasing middle-aged and elderly population, particularly in rural areas, will
drive the continued need for pharmacists. Employment numbers are expected to
grow steadily in the coming years. Outside of metro areas, pharmacists earn
$101,500 per year on average.

Career #5: Optometrist

Optometrists are most peoples main sources for eye and vision care. They examine
peoples eyesight and prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other corrective
measures for their patients. Optometrists can provide a variety of other services,
including glaucoma testing, prescribing medication for vision and eye maladies, and
providing pre- and post-operative care for patients needing surgery.

Optometry is another field which will benefit from an aging population, as well as an
increase in the number of insurance programs covering eye care. Rural optometrists
fill a very real need in the community, providing a service to their patients that
otherwise might require a trip to a neighboring city. Rural optometrists earn well
over $100,000 annually.

Career #6: Petroleum Engineer

Even as the country makes a concerted effort to switch to green, renewable energy
sources, our need for petroleum products is still growing and will continue to remain
strong for the foreseeable future. Petroleum engineers design methods for
discovering, extracting, and managing oil and gas deposits. They design and
maintain equipment, analyze deposits, develop enhanced recovery methods, as well
as a variety of other duties.
Employment for petroleum engineers is expected to grow steadily. As easilyaccessible oil and gas deposits are depleted, engineering expertise will be needed
more and more to help recover more difficult deposits. Rural and remote regions are
the main focuses of these endeavors, though obviously employment will be focused
in those areas with petroleum deposits. Petroleum engineers working outside of
urban areas earn $99,500 per year on average.

Career #7: Personal Financial Advisor

No matter where you live, the expertise of qualified advisors is necessary in
managing financial portfolios. Personal financial advisors help people manage their
assets to meet both short- and long-term goals. They help people in the country and
city alike decide which stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial products to
invest in, and which to avoid.
The job market for personal financial advisors is expected to grow steadily in the
next ten years, and a growing retired population, particularly in rural areas, will
require professional assistance in managing their portfolios. Personal financial
advisors working in rural areas earn an average of $62,500 annually.

Career #8: Teacher

There is much talk these days about the flagging performance of urban schools, yet
country schools
need good, dedicated teachers just as much as their city
counterparts. Job prospects for teachers are expected to be strong in rural areas, as

there are simply fewer teachers vying for jobs. Teachers in rural areas earned an
average of about $45,500 annually.

Career #9: Veterinarian

Veterinarians provide a crucial service to rural communities. While most
veterinarians spend the majority of their time treating companion animals, rural
veterinarians may also treat farm animals and livestock as well.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of veterinarians to increase by
a third (33 percent) over the next decade, almost three times the national average
for all jobs. Further, as most veterinarians seek to work in major cities or avoid
working outside, opportunities for rural vets are expected to be excellent. Vets in
rural areas can expect to earn approximately $76,000 per year. For more
information, visit our veterinarian career profile.

Career #10 Civil Engineer

Civil engineers are responsible for making sure our roads, bridges, buildings, and
other construction projects are safe, stable, and able to withstand the elements.
They are involved in every major construction project; they often consult in the
design and implementation of the plan, and they also inspect, monitor, and analyze
buildings and construction during and after construction.
Civil engineering jobs will always depend on the local construction market, but
overall, employment numbers are expected to increase by more than double the
national average in the next decade. And as infrastructure improvements continue
to be implemented in many rural areas, civil engineers will be more needed than
ever. Civil engineers working outside of metropolitan areas earn approximately
$70,000 per year, on average.