CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (April 27, 2026) — Northern Mindanao has sustained its position in the country’s trillion-peso economy group after posting a P1.095 trillion Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10

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The region recorded 4.9% growth, higher than the national average of 4.4%. It remained the
sixth-largest regional economy and ranked second in per capita output at P208,312.
Janith C. Aves, regional director of PSA-10, cited the result during a simultaneous news
conference on April 23. “Northern Mindanao continues to demonstrate strong economic
performance, sustaining its position among the Philippines’ trillion-peso economies, reaffirming
its role as a key economic driver,” she said.
Services drove the economy, expanding by 8% and accounting for 58.2% of total output.
Wholesale and retail trade led the sector, making up nearly half of service output.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 1.3%, up from 0.1% the previous year. The region
ranked second among agricultural contributors, behind Central Luzon. Bukidnon remained the
top contributing province nationwide.
Industry grew by 0.6%. Construction declined by 5.5% due to government validation and
approval processes for civil works. Manufacturing growth slowed but remained supported by
food and beverage production.
“These metrics are more than just numbers; they are the pulse of our economic health,” Aves
said.
Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and
Development (DEPDev)-10, said the region missed its 6.5% to 8% growth target amid global
conditions and climate factors.
“Once again, we’re one of only six regions that has an economy of more than a trillion pesos,”
she said. “This performance highlights the region’s solid economic fundamentals amid both
external and domestic headwinds.”
She added that with sound policies, sustained investments, and a whole-of-society approach, the
region is well-positioned not only to navigate these challenges but also to emerge stronger and
more competitive.
On the demand side, household consumption has remained the primary growth driver. Spending
on goods and services continued despite global conditions. Valuables grew by 39.1%, reflecting
increased investment in high-value assets. The region’s ranking in per capita household spending
rose to 10th.
To address the slowdown in industry, the regional government is implementing the Unified
Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, or UPLIFT program. The program
includes fuel subsidies for public utility drivers, emergency employment through the Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, and assistance to farmers
and fisherfolk.
The region is also focusing on infrastructure, including the planned operation of the Bukidnon
Airport and tourism development in Misamis Occidental.
Looking ahead, the regional government is bracing for a new normal shaped by geopolitical
tensions and the looming threat of Super El Niño. The Regional Development Council is
prioritizing agriculture, tourism, and energy security as it prepares for external risks, including
geopolitical tensions and potential El Niño conditions. (RMND/PIA-10).