Cagayan de Oro, officially known as the City of Cagayan de Oro, is a 1st class urbanized city in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. It is the capital of the province of Misamis Oriental, where it is geographically situated but governed administratively independent from the provincial government.
Besides Manila, which is the Philippine capital city, Cagayan de Oro is also known for being a rich, modern and competitive city. Known as the City of Golden Friendship, it hosts some 27,598 registered companies, which not only stimulate its economy but also provide many professional opportunities. Hence, there is a big market for expat job seekers who wish to settle there. The locals, known as Kagay-anon, are known for their warmth and hospitality.
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According to the 2020 census, Cagayan de Oro has a population of 728,402 people, including many foreigners.
The economy and labor market of Cagayan de Oro
The region's economy can be compared to that of Manila as it is Northern Mindanao's capital and business center. In fact, experts consider it to be the Philippines' most developing and competitive city. Cagayan de Oro's economy is mainly based on industry, commerce, trade, services and tourism. It is also home to many shopping malls, hotels, convention centers, as well as condominiums that are ideal for expatriates.
The automotive industry is another important economic pillar thanks to the presence of many car dealers, namely Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Ford, Kia, Foton, Mazda, Chevrolet, BMW, Peugeot, Hyundai, Subaru, Chery, Jinbei and Tata. Most showrooms are located nearby Iligan-Cagayan de Oro, Butuan Avenue Road. Agriculture, livestock, poultry and natural resources also make a significant contribution to the city's economy.
The economy of Cagayan de Oro City posted a growth of 9.6 percent in 2021, a rebound from a -8.8 percent decline in the previous year. In 2021, the Gross City Domestic Product (GCDP) of the City was valued at PhP 239.25 billion from the 2020 level of PhP 218.3 billion.
According to the 2021 Annual Labor Market Statistics of Northern Mindanao, the LFPR (Labor Force Participation Rate) is higher by 3.5 percentage points than the 2020 annual estimate, which was recorded at 66.3 percent. Also, this regional LFPR is higher by 6.5 points than the national estimate of 63.3 percent.
There are three operating economic zones in the city namely, Pueblo de Oro IT Park, Paseo del Rio de Cagayan Economic Tourism Zone, and Centrio Corporate Center, which is an IT center. Multinational companies such as Nestle, Del Monte, Limketkai Manufacturing Corporation, and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) are also located within the city.
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The president's economic team has laid out a development roadmap that should see the rise of Cagayan de Oro City as the country's fourth economic center by 2025. This is expected to open more opportunities and careers in the city within the next few years.
Finding a job in Cagayan de Oro
To have more chances of finding a job in Cagayan de Oro, you can start by browsing the city's business directory and identifying a few companies to which you can send spontaneous job applications. Also, consider networking through the likes of LinkedIn. You can also browse job offers on general and specialized job websites, such as Indeed or FoundIt.
MyCDOJobs.com is an online job board developed for employers and job-seekers in Northern Mindanao, especially in Cagayan de Oro City. There is also Mynimo, a local job portal for the Philippines and the one set up by the government, PhilJob Net.
Wages in Cagayan De Oro
The average wage in Cagayan de Oro is P390,012/ USD 7,024 USD per year or an hourly rate of p188/ USD 3,39. To earn a salary that matches Western standards, then a senior management role is required. Alternatively, if you are happy with the local salary, the good news is that the cost of living in Cagayan de Oro is quite low. In fact, is one of the cheapest cities in the world.
The interview process in Cagayan de Oro
Applying for a job in Cagayan de Oro starts with having an updated CV — it should have your updated contact information, a concise professional statement or executive summary, a recent headshot photo, your work experience, your relevant skills, your educational attainment and references. A cover letter should also accompany the CV when applying for a job.
If called for an interview in Cagayan de Oro, it is recommended that you dress smart and be on time. Ask the right questions, and answer the interviewer's using strong communication skills. Do your research, know the area, and what opportunities are available for you in Cagayan de Oro.
Visa requirements for working in Cagayan de Oro
Visa
The most common type of work visa for expats in the Philippines is the 9 (G) visa, also known as the Pre-arranged Employment Visa. It allows employers to hire expats with skills, qualifications, and experience that may be in short supply. However, if there is a skilled Filipino who can do a particular job, then they will be prioritized for the job.
Important:
It is strictly forbidden to work in Cagayan de Oro with a tourist visa only. Read our article about “Visas for the Philippines” for more information.
Work permit
Foreign professionals who plan to work in Cagayan de Oro are required to obtain a work permit. There are three main types of work permits in the Philippines, and they are obtained from two agencies — the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Immigration.
When applying for an alien work permit in the Philippines, the following documents must be submitted to your local DOLE office:
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Completed application form
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Employment contract
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Employees passport with a valid visa
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Business Permit
If you are working less than 6 months in CDO, a Special Work Permit should be acquired, if the employment is more than 6 months in CDO then an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) should be obtained by the expat.
The work culture in Cagayan de Oro
The primary language spoken in Cagayan de Oro is Cebuano. However, many of the locals are also well-versed in English. International and national business is conducted through English, but it is helpful to learn a little Cebuano.
Eight hours a day (40 hours a week) is the normal weekly routine in Cagayan de Oro. Cagayanons (people from CDO) usually have two rest days — Saturday and Sunday. An additional 30% based on the employee's hourly rate is added for any extra working hours beyond eight hours. Always read your contract carefully before signing and ask your company about anything that you do not understand.
Cagayan de Oro, like the rest of the Philippines, has a total of eighteen national holidays each year, and any employee who works on a holiday is entitled to receive double the amount of their regular hourly rate.
Cagayanons are naturally shy and reserved with foreigners at first, but this will not last for long. There is a certain reluctance to speak English with native English speakers for fear of making a mistake. Expats must remember that they are guests in the Philippines and, therefore, make communicating as easy as possible so that work tasks are understood by all.
Before long, there is a huge possibility that you will be encouraged to be an integral part of the working team as a family by taking part in birthday celebrations, social outings, eating together and getting to know your peers.
The professional dress code in Cagayan de Oro
In Cagayan de Oro, a traditional approach to work attire is recommended. Men wear short-sleeved shirts with or without a tie. Formal trousers are generally required, and shorts are not the norm. Have a jacket on standby for photo opportunities (which will be very often!). For female expats working in Cagayan de Oro, it is an unwritten rule that you should avoid clothing that may be seen as ‘revealing'. Appropriate attire by Cagayan de Oro standards are dresses or pants that cover your knees, shoulders, and chest.
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