Industry, infra key drivers to CALABARZON economy — DepDev
CALAMBA CITY – Ongoing infrastructure programs and a growing industrial sector continue to drive economic growth in the CALABARZON region as it remains in its position as a top contributor to the national economy.
Ray Michael Abuso, Supervising Economic Development Specialist at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) — formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) — noted that ongoing infrastructure developments in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas have significantly bolstered the Regional Gross Domestic Product, valued at Php 3.10 trillion.
“All provinces in the region showed positive economic growth, reflecting growth-based economic momentum.”
Cavite Province recorded the highest growth rate in the region with 6.7 percent. Meanwhile, the City of Lucena—the region’s only highly urbanized city—posted an even higher growth rate at 8.9 percent.
DepDev reported that the industry sector—valued at Php 1.53 trillion—contributes the largest share in the Gross Regional Domestic Product, followed by the services sector at Php 1.42 trillion and the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector at Php 138 billion.
“Economic performance in the provinces is slightly influenced by manufacturing, infrastructure development, and sector diversification. With their industry-based economy, Laguna and Cavite, offer opportunities for residential and commercial development.”
Meanwhile, Batangas Province which hosts several power plants supplying the region also shows increasing growth potential in the tourism sector.
“Overall, the CALABARZON region’s economic growth is shaped by infrastructure and industry focused in the urban expansion.”
To sustain economic growth, DepDev recommended long-term and province-specific solutions. These include expediting critical infrastructure projects, diversification of economic activities, comprehensive economic partnerships, and modernizing the agriculture sector—particularly in the provinces of Laguna and Cavite.
Meanwhile, the provinces of Batangas and Quezon were encouraged to invest further in the agriculture sector by modernizing agricultural practices, developing value-added processing, upgrading farm-related infrastructure, and establishing agribusiness and agro-biotechnology centers.
On the other hand, Rizal Province—known for its burgeoning tourism industry–may further boost its growth by enhancing tourism infrastructure and integrating modern techniques and practices into its agricultural activities.
Housing major economic zones, the CALABARZON region contributes 14.7 percent to the National Gross Domestic Product, making it the second-largest contributor in the country. (PB/PIA4A)
