By Xander Ledesma
The province of Antique recorded a 2.5% economic growth rate in 2023, a significant slowdown compared to the 8.7% growth achieved in 2022, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) during the Provincial Product Accounts Dissemination Forum on Tuesday.
The province’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased from PHP70.69 billion in 2022 to PHP72.46 billion in 2023. Among the major industries, the industry sector contributed 48.2% to the provincial GDP, followed by services at 35.1%, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) at 16.7%.
PSA Subnational Economic Accounts Division Officer-in-Charge Elgie Gulane-Rosenblad said Antique’s economic performance supported the 7.7% growth of the industry sector in the Western Visayas region, with Antique contributing 15.8% to the regional industry output valued at PHP220.93 billion.
However, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector faced significant challenges, with a 15.2% decline in production attributed to calamities that hit the province in 2023. This downturn heavily impacted overall economic performance, according to PSA Antique Chief Statistical Specialist Randy Tacogdoy.
Tacogdoy noted that agriculture remains the second-largest contributor to the province’s economy after mining and quarrying, with a 16.7% share in the GDP. However, calamities and restrictive policies have contributed to the sector’s struggles, necessitating a review of existing frameworks.
Antique Provincial Government Planning and Development Officer IV Rudyard Naig emphasized the importance of implementing off-season fishing regulations to allow fish populations to replenish. He also called for the adoption of best practices and new technologies in farming, as well as increased support for seed and farm input distribution to boost rice production.
The provincial government is expected to address these challenges to stabilize and potentially improve economic growth in the coming years, ensuring that Antique continues to contribute significantly to the Western Visayas regional economy.