CSU, CPD II INK PARTNERSHIP TO STUDY OUTMIGRATION TRENDS IN REGION 2

Cagayan State University (CSU) and the Commission on Population and Development Region (CPD) II have formally sealed a research partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed today, May 6, 2025, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of outmigration in the Cagayan Valley region.

Under the MOA, CPD II will engage the services and expertise of CSU in conducting a research study titled “Outmigration Trends in Region 2: An Evidence-Based Analysis of Socio-Economic, Demographic, and Environmental Impacts for Policy Development.”

The collaboration seeks to determine the root causes and far-reaching implications of outmigration in Region 2, with the findings expected to provide valuable input for the development of evidence-based policies and responsive programs.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), migration in the country is largely driven by economic reasons, with 46% of internal movers citing such motivation. Between 2015 and 2020, about 4.7 million Filipinos changed residence within the country. Region 2, in particular, recorded a negative net migration rate of -215 and had the highest percentage of households (16%) with at least one member working abroad, based on the 2018 National Migration Survey.

With CSU’s active involvement in multi-disciplinary research and CPD II’s mandate to promote people-centered and data-driven development strategies, the partnership aims to generate findings that will guide future POPDEV (Population and Development) initiatives in the region.

The study, to be conducted by researchers from the CSU Lal-lo Campus headed by CEO Policarpio L. Mabborang Jr., is expected to shed light on key migration drivers, map trends, and analyze the socio-economic and environmental implications—all of which are crucial for crafting responsive and evidence-based policy frameworks in Region 2.

The agreement was signed by CSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez and CPD II Regional Director Theresa C. Soriano at the Central Ad Conference Room, CSU Andrews Campus.