PSA reports Surigao Sur’s economic growth in 2025
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Surigao del Sur’s economy grew by 5.2 percent in 2025, highlighting the importance of data-driven planning to sustain economic growth, address declining performance in some sectors, and improve the welfare of local communities.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Surigao del Sur Chief Statistical Specialist Ruel Dres presented the figures during the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Data Dissemination Forum on the province’s 2025 economic performance on October 8 in Tandag City.
Dres reported that the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached ₱73.65 billion in 2025, with growth slowing from 6.5 percent in the previous year.
Among the major industries, human health and social work activities posted the fastest growth at 11.9 percent, followed by manufacturing at 9.7 percent and education at 8.8 percent, Dres said.
However, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contracted by 3.9 percent, indicating a decline in the sector’s economic output and highlighting the need for development planners to assess the challenges affecting these industries.
The province’s per capita GDP reached ₱109,472 in 2025, an increase of 4.2 percent from the previous year, according to Dres’ presentation.
While the figures show continued economic expansion, slower overall growth and the contraction in agriculture underscore the importance of examining sector-specific performance to guide development priorities.
Turning economic data into local action
The PPA data provide local government units, planners, and development partners with a database to identify sectors that need support and determine where interventions may have the greatest impact.
The contraction in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, for instance, points to the need to assess the challenges facing farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on these industries. The data can help inform further assessments and guide programs on agricultural productivity, livelihood development, and food security.
Meanwhile, growth in manufacturing, education, and health and social work activities offers a basis for identifying opportunities to strengthen these sectors and sustain their contributions to the provincial economy.
The figures can also guide local development planning, investment decisions, and the monitoring of economic performance. However, GDP growth alone does not show how income and economic benefits are distributed among households. Other indicators are needed to determine whether economic growth translates into improved living conditions.
Access to reliable economic information supports the national government’s emphasis on evidence-based policymaking, job creation, food security, and inclusive economic development. At the local level, these statistics can help officials align programs and resources with the province’s needs and development priorities.
Making statistics accessible to the public
The forum brought together provincial officials and employees, national government representatives, partner stakeholders, and media practitioners through face-to-face and online participation.
Local media partners committed to help disseminate the data and explain their implications for Surigaonons, particularly how economic trends affect livelihoods, employment opportunities, and access to basic services.
By translating statistical reports into clear and accessible public information, media organizations can help residents better understand the province’s economic condition and encourage informed discussions on development priorities.
The wider dissemination of PPA results strengthens the link between official statistics, public awareness, and government planning. It also gives communities a clearer basis for understanding economic progress and identifying areas that need further attention.
For Surigao del Sur, Dres noted that the value of the data lies not only in measuring economic performance but also in using the findings to guide policies and programs that respond to local needs and support more inclusive development. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)