Mining, quarrying drive Surigao Sur's 4.1% growth in 2023
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur's economy posted a 4.1 percent growth in 2023, driven primarily by the strong performance of the Mining and Quarrying sector, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Surigao del Sur Provincial Office Chief Ruel Dres, during the recent Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Dissemination Forum.
Dres said, the province's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by P2.61 billion, rising from P63.18 billion in 2022 to P65.79 billion in 2023 at constant 2018 prices.
Key growth drivers
Among the 16 major industries, Other Services emerged as the fastest-growing sector with a significant 21.6 percent growth, closely followed by Mining and Quarrying at 19.3 percent. The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector also performed robustly, expanding by 12.3 percent.
Other industries contributing to the province's positive economic performance include:
- Electricity, Steam, Water, and
Waste Management: 12.1 percent,
- Public Administration and Defense;
Compulsory Social Security: 10.6 percent,
- Professional and Business
Services : 10.3 percent.
Decline in agriculture and manufacturing
Despite the overall economic growth, two key sectors experienced contractions in 2023:
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing:
Declined by 5.2 percent, signaling challenges in the province's primary
industries.
- Manufacturing: Decreased by 0.7 percent, reflecting sluggish activity in industrial production.
These declines underscored the need for targeted interventions to revitalize these sectors which remain critical to Surigao del Sur's economy.
Economic standing in Caraga region
Among Caraga’s provinces and highly urbanized cities, Surigao del Sur ranked as the third-largest contributor to the regional economy, with a 19.4 percent share of the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), valued at P339.65 billion in 2023.
The shares of other provinces and the city of Butuan were as follows:
- Surigao del Norte: 24.7 percent
(largest contributor)
- Agusan del Sur: 22.4 percent
- City of Butuan: 18.0 percent
- Agusan del Norte: 11.7
percent
- Dinagat Islands: 3.7 percent
Looking ahead
Meanwhile, the significant rise in Other Services highlighted diversification opportunities that can further strengthen the local economy.
Dres also emphasized that detailed economic data, including charts and visuals for the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Surigao del Sur, are available on their official website. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
