As the population of the region grew, the economically active persons (15 to 64 years old) increased by more than nine percent, from 1.07 million persons in 1995 to 1.16 million persons in 2000. They comprised about 56 percent of the total population of the region. In 1995, it was 55 percent. About 41 percent were young dependents (aged 0-14 years) while about 4 percent were old dependents (aged 65 years and over). The overall dependency ratio in 2000 was 80, lower than the 1995 ratio of 82. This meant that for every 100 persons aged 15-64 years, there were about 80 dependents, i.e. 73 young dependents and 7 old dependents.
Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines, 2015-2017