Agusan Provinces Experience Economic Growth in 2022: Philippine Statistics Authority Report

Butuan City – The Philippine Statistics Authority in the Caraga Region (PSA-13) announced on Monday that Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte provinces witnessed significant economic growth in 2022.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agusan del Sur achieved a 6.8 percent increase in its economy, while Agusan del Norte experienced a 3.7 percent growth during the same period. The economic expansion in Agusan del Sur was primarily driven by the sectors of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which contributed 19.0 percent to the growth. This was followed by manufacturing at 13.8 percent and financial and insurance activities at 12.8 percent.

Additionally, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of Agusan del Sur rose by 5.9 percent to PHP99,387, up from PHP93,820 in 2021. The PSA-13 explained that the per capita GDP represents the average economic output per person and is calculated by dividing the province’s GDP by its total population.

In Agusan del Norte, the key sectors contributing to its economic growth in 2022 were agriculture, forestry, and fishing (17.1 percent); manufacturing (16.4 percent); and wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair (12.9 percent). The province saw its per capita GDP increase to PHP100,405, marking a 2.6 percent rise compared to PHP97,825 in 2021.

Furthermore, Butuan City, the regional center of the Caraga Region, reported a 9.5 percent economic growth in 2022. This growth

was mainly attributed to the services sector, which accounted for 71.9 percent of the increase. The industry sector contributed 25.4 percent, while agriculture, forestry, and fishery added 2.7 percent to the city’s economic development.

The leading industries driving Butuan City’s economic growth included construction, which grew by 28.7 percent, accommodation and food service activities, which expanded by 24.6 percent, and other services, which saw an increase of 19.8 percent. These sectors collectively bolstered Butuan’s position as the premier city and the administrative center of the Caraga Region.