SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from P70.69 billion in 2022 to P72.46 billion in 2023.
This was revealed during a press conference organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Antique on Nov. 26, 2024, at Eagles Hotel and Function Hall, Barangay 2, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, where the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) for 2023 were presented.
Leading the list of sectors that registered a significant growth rate was the accommodation and food services sector, which recorded a 35.8 percent growth, followed by the construction sector at 32.1 percent, and other services at 25.2 percent.
These sectors played a significant role in driving the province’s economic performance amid challenges.
However, the economy of the province recorded a 2.5 percent growth in 2023, a significant slowdown compared to the 8.7 percent growth achieved in 2022.
The slower growth was largely attributed to a -15.2 percent decline in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors, primarily driven by reduced livestock production due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Despite these setbacks, PSA Antique Chief Statistical Specialist Randy M. Tacogdoy highlighted the top three sectors that contributed to Antique’s economic growth.
He also reported that the per capita GDP of Antique reached 115,460, placing the province third in economic performance within Western Visayas, behind Bacolod City and Iloilo City.
Tacogdoy explained the decline in agricultural performance was not only relevant to Antique.
Neighboring provinces also experienced negative growth in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors due to similar challenges, particularly ASF and the El Niño phenomenon.
In response to these challenges, Provincial Statistician Rudyard B. Naig from the Provincial Planning and Development Office outlined several projects aimed at regenerating the province’s economy.
Naig stated that the government is implementing key initiatives, including a solar energy project, a pipeline infrastructure project, educational assistance programs, and flood control systems, all designed to promote sustainable development in Antique.
The PSA, through its Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) program, continues to monitor the economic performance of Antique to identify growth trends, challenges, and necessary interventions to support the province’s economic recovery and development.
With this, PSA Antique encourages Antiqueños to participate in and support its initiatives and surveys actively.
The data collected will serve as a foundation for formulating policies and development projects that align with the province’s needs. (AGP/PSM-PIA Antique with reports from MPO/YPA/GIP)
