Zamboanga City topped the list of most robust economies in Region IX, or the Zamboanga Peninsula, with a 4.9 percent growth last year.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the city’s economic expansion outpaced that of Zamboanga del Sur and the City of Isabela, which posted growth rates of 4.8 percent and 4.4 percent , respectively.
All three economies recorded growth faster than the regional average of 4.2 percent.
Joining them in the region’s top five most robust economies are Zamboanga del Norte (3.9 percent) and Zamboanga Sibugay (2.3 percent).
While fishing and farming remain the primary economic activities across the region—which ranks third in fish production nationwide—services-oriented industries drive the top growth areas, the PSA noted: 49.9 percent for Zamboanga del Norte; 52.9 percent for Zamboanga del Sur; 59.7 percent for Zamboanga Sibugay; 58.4 percent for the City of Isabela; and 58.2 percent for Zamboanga City.
“Services comprise wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; transportation and storage; accommodation and food service activities; information and communication; financial and insurance activities; real estate and ownership of dwellings; professional and business services; public administration and defense; compulsory social security; education; human health and social work activities; and other services,” the PSA said.
