Cordillera Economy Expands 4.4% in 2025, Driven by Services and Agri Gains
Baguio City – The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded a 4.4 percent economic growth in 2025, with expansion driven by services, industry, and agriculture, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.
PSA-CAR Regional Director Villafe Alibuyog said the region’s gross domestic product reached PHP394.96 billion, with services accounting for the largest share at 70 percent, followed by industry at 22.6 percent and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) at 7.4 percent.
The AFF sector showed notable improvement, contributing 4.3 percentage points to growth in 2025—up from 1.3 percentage points the previous year—marking its strongest performance since 2018.
Industry posted a modest 1.7 percent growth, an improvement from 0.2 percent in 2024, while services grew by 5.3 percent, slower than the 6.9 percent recorded the previous year.
In terms of value, services generated PHP276.51 billion, industry contributed PHP89.09 billion, and AFF accounted for PHP29.36 billion.
Among industries, the fastest growth was recorded in human health and social work, education, and professional and business services. Key drivers of the region’s economy included wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, manufacturing, and education.
On the expenditure side, exports surged by 30 percent, making it the fastest-growing component, followed by government consumption at 7.5 percent and household spending at 4.2 percent.
Per capita household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) rose to PHP148,641 in 2025, reflecting a 3 percent increase from PHP144,256 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Susan Balanza of the Department of Agriculture said government interventions have played a key role in boosting the agriculture sector’s performance.
She cited ongoing programs that support farmers through improved technologies, equipment, and value-adding initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and incomes.
Balanza added that amid ongoing energy challenges, both the government and private sector are working together to help farmers bring their products to market and minimize post-harvest losses.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
