KORONADAL CITY , South Cotabato— The Province of South Cotabato has emerged as the fastest-growing economy in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region for 2024, posting a 6.9 percent growth rate based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The province’s economy expanded from ₱138.40 billion in 2023 to ₱148.01 billion in 2024, marking a strong rebound from its 2.6 percent growth the previous year.
South Cotabato’s growth outpaced both the regional average of 5.5 percent and the national average of 5.6 percent, positioning it as one of the country’s most dynamic provincial economies.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. credited the achievement to the unity and collective effort of the people of South Cotabato.
“Our province’s 6.9 percent growth rate not only surpassed the regional and national averages—it also reflects the strength of our shared vision for progress. This success is proof that when we work together, development becomes truly inclusive and lasting,” he said.
Tamayo also highlighted that the province’s 97.1 percent employment rate shows how economic expansion is benefiting local communities.
“Growth must always be felt by our people. We are seeing that in the form of jobs, better incomes, and stronger local industries,” he added.
According to Jose Daniel Salamat, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring Division of the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (OPPDC), the province’s strong performance was also driven by a decline in poverty incidence.
“One of the key factors behind South Cotabato’s accelerated growth is the continuous reduction in poverty levels, which has boosted household spending and local productivity,” Salamat said.
Governor Tamayo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustain this momentum through continued investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and enterprise development.
The PSA noted that while all provinces nationwide posted positive growth in 2024, South Cotabato stood out as the top performer in SOCCSKSARGEN and a model of inclusive and people-driven economic progress.
