ILOILO City — Western Visayas has emerged as the Philippines’ fastest-growing regional economy, expanding by 6.4 percent to ₱683.44 billion, but development officials warned that persistent poverty in remote communities could undermine the region’s gains unless local governments step up targeted interventions.
Latest Philippine Statistics Authority data showed family poverty incidence in Western Visayas dropping to 5.2 percent from 9.8 percent in 2023, while the region remained the country’s eighth-largest regional economy despite the creation of the Negros Island Region.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region 6 said the figures demonstrate significant economic and social progress, but stressed that growth must reach Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
“Even though poverty incidence has reduced, poverty and inequality persist in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) — the far-flung areas,” said Joyalita B. Tigres, chief economic development specialist of DEPDev-6’s Policy Formulation and Planning Division.
DEPDev-6 urged local government units and regional agencies to translate the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023–2028 into concrete programs targeting communities still struggling with poverty and inequality.
“While the Regional Development Plan is not the sole priority, we are issuing a call to action requesting our stakeholders, especially LGUs and regional line agencies, to do their part,” Tigres said.
She said local plans and investments must be aligned with the RDP, which consolidates strategies of LGUs and regional agencies toward achieving the long-term goals of AmBisyon Natin 2040.
“In the RDP, these are consolidated plans to address poverty and inequality in GIDAs. We have tailored strategies across various chapters — such as poverty reduction, social inequality, and outcome indicators — which is why local alignment is crucial,” Tigres added.
DEPDev-6 regional director Engr. Arecio A. Casing Jr. said AmBisyon Natin 2040 provides continuity in national and regional development despite economic shocks, pandemics and geopolitical conflicts.
“Who would have thought of COVID? That was never really the plan. There are wars in Iran and other unpredicted global conflicts—these are things that pushed us away from our targets,” Casing said.
“Who could imagine a world without these targets? Will we have something to go back to? Never. These targets are vital to hold us on a consistent direction and path towards achieving middle-income status,” he added.
Casing also pushed for a shift toward value-added agro-industry to strengthen Western Visayas’ agricultural economy rather than relying heavily on the sale of raw products.
“One way we can expand our agriculture is to proceed toward agro-industry. We must not rely solely on immediate raw output like rice, palay, or corn. Just look at Guimaras — they have mangoes, but it has evolved into mango pizza. Whatever form adds value transforms a ₱70 mango into a ₱200 pizza,” he said.
“That’s what we want: evolving raw materials into higher-value products to build a stronger agricultural economy,” Casing added.
DEPDev-6 said the region’s recent gains have also been supported by job creation, tourism and IT-BPM expansion, infrastructure modernization, improved digital and energy connectivity, better access to education and health services, and stronger climate and disaster resilience.
To sustain the momentum, the agency urged LGUs to align their development plans and budgets with regional priorities, accelerate livelihood and connectivity projects, strengthen climate resilience, and expand partnerships with businesses, civil society and academic institutions.
The goal, DEPDev-6 stressed, is to ensure that Western Visayas’ rapid economic growth translates into lasting improvements in the lives of communities across the region—not only those in its major urban centers./PN
