The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office XII conducted a virtual Dissemination Forum on the Provincial Product Accounts on 24 January 2023. The activity aimed to inform the general public of the Provincial Product Accounts estimates for the Provinces of Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and the City of General Santos; and advocate data utilization.

          In her opening remarks, SOCD Chief Ma. Eileen A. Berdeprado said that the release of the Product     Accounts is a testament of PSA’s efforts to address the demand for more subregional data especially an economic-related statistics. She encouraged the LGU’s to adopt the PSIC in their respective BLPS so that the industry classification will be aligned with the System of National Accounts.

          PSA - RSSO XII Regional Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, CESO V, presented the Provincial Product Accounts of Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and the City of General Santos. In his presentation, he stated that South Cotabato is the biggest economy with a share of 26.6 to the region’s Gross Domestic Product, followed by Cotabato, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani with 25.3 percent, 25.0 percent, 13.6 percent and 9.4 percent   respectively.

          Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, CESO III, of NEDA XII presented the policy implications. She said that the results of the PPA will greatly help the regional and provincial planners towards sustained recovery. The results affirms the drafted development framework in terms of the roles of different provinces and Highly Urbanized City in Region XII’s development.

          Rodolfo M. Mendoza, SrSS, PSA- RSSO XII,  stated in his closing remarks that these data are not just for PSA, but for the general public. He thanked the   participants for their active participation and solicited continuous support to PSA’s data collection activities.