There is a growing clamor for a strategic shift in focus, directing attention toward the economic potential of the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This perspective is grounded in the acknowledgment of untapped opportunities and substantial growth potential present in these regions. It challenges the conventional emphasis on the national capital, Metro Manila, signaling a transformative approach to economic development that extends beyond traditional centers. In this article, we will examine the Visayas and Mindanao Regions, their contributions, unique strengths and potential growth areas.
The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) data for various regions in the Philippines, measured at constant 2018 prices from 2020 to 2022, offers insights into the economic performance of different regions. Key observations reveal consistent growth in the total GRDP for the Philippines, increasing from PHP 17.54 trillion in 2020 to PHP 19.94 trillion in 2022. The National Capital Region (NCR) stands out as the region with the highest GRDP, experiencing substantial growth from PHP 5.60 trillion in 2020 to PHP 6.27 trillion in 2022. Other significant contributors to the overall GRDP include CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas.
Consistently growing regions like CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas have demonstrated robust economic performance over the three years. Emerging economic contributors, specifically the Davao Region and Northern Mindanao, have exhibited noteworthy growth. The services sector, dominant in regions with urban centers, has played a crucial role in NCR and other economically developed regions, while regions with a focus on agriculture and industry, such as Northern Mindanao and Davao Region, showcase diverse economic landscapes.
The GRDP data highlights the diverse economic landscapes and developmental stages across Philippine regions, indicating varying sectoral contributions. Metropolitan areas like NCR and CALABARZON play a pivotal role in driving the country’s overall economic output. The consistent growth in regions like Central Luzon and Central Visayas suggests sustained economic development and resilience. Regions with emerging economic contributions, like Davao Region and Northern Mindanao, present opportunities for further development and investment.
GROSS REGIONAL DOMESTIC PRODUCTS
| Region | Region Name | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| NCR | National Capital Region | 5,599,931,197 | 5,845,619,151 | 6,265,608,932 |
| CAR | Cordillera Administrative Region | 288,876,582 | 310,765,858 | 337,664,054 |
| I | Ilocos Region | 581,877,977 | 608,618,834 | 654,866,006 |
| II | Cagayan Valley | 371,102,979 | 389,954,561 | 421,171,436 |
| III | Central Luzon | 1,881,277,315 | 2,021,186,175 | 2,185,061,752 |
| IVA | CALABARZON | 2,534,444,265 | 2,728,935,837 | 2,942,981,189 |
| MIMAROPA Region | 357,780,630 | 369,725,008 | 392,960,370 | |
| V | Bicol Region | 517,770,299 | 540,189,747 | 583,716,744 |
| VI | Western Visayas | 825,369,599 | 874,086,695 | 955,016,701 |
| VII | Central Visayas | 1,134,912,345 | 1,195,978,557 | 1,287,323,136 |
| VIII | Eastern Visayas | 434,767,718 | 461,066,832 | 492,339,714 |
| IX | Zamboanga Peninsula | 376,299,326 | 397,862,811 | 427,776,518 |
| X | Northern Mindanao | 821,433,093 | 872,805,112 | 935,299,921 |
| XI | Davao Region | 833,225,496 | 882,189,256 | 954,074,121 |
| XII | SOCCSKSARGEN | 449,247,792 | 472,510,818 | 503,643,512 |
| XIII | Caraga | 285,001,928 | 305,704,709 | 323,858,830 |
| BARMM | Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao | 244,524,738 | 262,884,259 | 280,267,304 |
| Philippines | 17,537,843,279 | 18,540,084,220 | 19,943,630,239 |
VisMin Area
Central Visayas and Western Visayas emerge as substantial contributors to the overall Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the Philippines, displaying consistent economic growth over the analyzed years. This sustained development underscores their pivotal role in driving the country’s economic prosperity.
In contrast, Eastern Visayas exhibits a moderate impact on the regional economic output, indicating positive growth trends but at a more measured pace compared to its counterparts.
The collective contribution of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is substantial, indicating their importance in the overall economic landscape of the Philippines. These regions exhibit diverse economic activities, reflecting a varied economic trend and landscape. Finally, the economic progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is deemed crucial, not only for its own prosperity but as a linchpin for the broader economic development of Mindanao.
The growth in these regions signifies dynamic economic environments, fueled by industry, private infrastructure such as hospitals and condominiums, and sectoral expansions. Recognizing the distinct roles and contributions of these regions provides valuable insights for strategic planning, resource allocation, and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the diverse regions of the Philippines.
The next issue is the key economic growth drivers of the regions.
Real LexEcon 