BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posted a ₱378.26 billion economic output in 2024, marking a 4.8 percent growth from the previous year’s ₱360.90 billion, based on 2018 constant prices. This placed CAR 14th nationwide in terms of regional economic growth, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority – Cordillera (PSA-CAR).
PSA-CAR Regional Director Villafe P. Alibuyog reported that the Services sector remained the region’s biggest contributor, accounting for 69.4 percent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Industry followed with a 23.2 percent share, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF) contributed 7.4 percent.
Services grew by 6.8 percent, continuing its upward trend from the 8.8 percent expansion in 2023. Industry inched up by 0.3 percent, while AFF rebounded with a 1.1 percent growth after four years of decline.
“After four years of continuous decline, the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing finally managed to pose a growth,” Alibuyog said. She attributed the improvement to gains in crops, fishing, and support activities despite several typhoons affecting the region.
The region’s gross regional expenditure also increased by 4.8 percent, matching the GDP growth rate. However, CAR remained among the regions with the smallest share in the National Gross Domestic Expenditure, contributing only 1.7 percent.
Chief Statistical Specialist Aldrin Frederico R. Bahit, Jr. highlighted the significance of PSA-CAR’s data sources and breakthroughs. “We get all the pertinent information from censuses, from surveys, from admin data. We get information from establishments, from the Local Government Units, from all the regional line agencies,” he said.
He also emphasized CAR’s role in pioneering several statistical initiatives, including the first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Watch, land and timber accounts, and the ongoing development of Solid Waste Accounts.
“Tinitignan nila tayo kung paano natin gagawin ang Solid Waste Accounts, para ko-kopyahin tayo ng national,” Bahit noted. He added that the region is also trailblazing in energy accounting, Tourism Satellite Accounts, and citizen-generated data tools.
As the region continues to innovate and expand its economy, these developments highlight CAR’s ongoing progress and commitment to growth, even amid challenges. By Gian Laddit
