SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Regional Development Council (RDC) chair, highlighted impressive economic and development figures for the Ilocos Region at the 2024 State of the Region’s Development Conference (SORDC) held on June 28 at Hotel Ariana and Restaurant in Bauang, La Union.
Manotoc anchored his presentation on the vision of the 2023–2028 Regional Development Plan (RDP)—a “REACH Region 1,” which stands for REsilient, All-inclusive, Competitive, and Healthy Ilocos Region.
Manotoc emphasized the region’s impressive economic growth, ranking third nationally with a 7.1 percent increase in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
This translates to a significant jump from P654.8 billion in 2022 to P701.5 billion in 2023.
This economic boom directly impacted poverty levels.
A total of 15,160 families lifted themselves out of poverty, with the overall poverty rate declining from 15.8 percent in the first half of 2021 to 14.2 percent in the same period of 2023.
This decrease positions Ilocos as the sixth-least-poor region in the Philippines.
Manotoc reported a noteworthy P122.23 billion in approved investments from both foreign and Filipino investors.
This surge in investment aligns with the high regional employment rate, reaching a remarkable 95.5 percent.
The breakdown of GRDP by industry showcased significant growth across all sectors.
The service industry led the pack with a 24.6 percent increase, followed by industry at 20.5 percent and agriculture at 9.7 percent.
Life expectancy in the region experienced a significant rise, with the average age for males increasing from 69.42 years in 2022 to 71.11 years in 2023.
Females also saw a positive trend, with life expectancy climbing from 75.52 years in 2022 to 77.13 years in 2023.
Manotoc emphasized the region’s progress towards becoming the tourism hub of Northern Luzon, with a remarkable 34.4 million tourist arrivals in 2023.
The region’s agricultural sector also performed admirably, producing 1.8 million metric tons of rice, 594,407 metric tons of corn, and 600,000 metric tons of fish in 2023.
Manotoc emphasized that these achievements stemmed from the collective efforts of both the public and private sectors, including government agencies, local government units, and businesses.
He concluded by urging continued collaboration towards the “REACH Region 1” vision.
Manotoc stated, “Let us build a Region 1 that we can all be proud of—one where a competent workforce, quality social services, and strong infrastructure serve as the pillars of our inclusive development. Kaisa ang Region 1 sa pagkamit ng isang Bagong Pilipinas.”
The RDC, as the region’s primary coordinating body, plays a crucial role in setting the direction for economic and social initiatives.
It also ensures local efforts align with broader regional and national development goals. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
