The recently released report on the 2023 Economic Performance of the Provinces and Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines highlighted the significant contributions of Mindanao provinces to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF).
Bukidnon and Davao del Norte Among Top 10 National Contributors
In 2023, the Philippines’ GVA of AFF reached PhP 1.80 trillion, reflecting a 1.2 percent increase from the PhP 1.78 trillion recorded in 2022. Among the leading contributors at the provincial level, Bukidnon emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for 7.1 percent of the national AFF GVA.
Another province from Mindanao, Davao del Norte, also secured a spot in the top 10 contributors with a 2.8 percent share. Collectively, the top 10 provinces, including Bukidnon and Davao del Norte, contributed 36.5 percent of the national AFF GVA, demonstrating the critical role of Mindanao’s agricultural sector in the country’s economy.
Mindanao Provinces with Strong Agricultural Dependency
Aside from being top contributors to AFF GVA, several Mindanao provinces also demonstrated high dependency on the agricultural sector relative to their local economies.
- Maguindanao del Sur recorded the highest share of AFF to its GDP among all provinces in the country, with 53.4 percent of its economy dependent on agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
- Sulu followed closely with 53.2 percent, highlighting its reliance on agricultural and fishing activities.
- Bukidnon also had a significant AFF share, accounting for 49.8 percent of its total economy.
Sustained Growth and Future Prospects
The majority of provinces and highly urbanized cities in the country experienced growth in the AFF sector in 2023, reinforcing the resilience and importance of agriculture as a key economic driver. With the ongoing institutionalization of the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) in 2025, more accurate and consistent annual data compilation is expected to provide deeper insights into regional economic performances, particularly in agriculture-dependent areas like Mindanao.
For more detailed statistical data, visit psa.gov.ph/statistics/ppa and PSA Openstat.
