The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the first ever report of the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covering the period 2018 to 2022. The release covers six provinces, namely, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The PPA results showed that Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur comprised 53.4 percent of the total economy of BARMM. Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur shared 27.8 percent and 25.6 percent, respectively. The rest of the provinces recorded the following shares: Sulu, 16.0 percent; Maguindanao del Sur, 13.6 percent; Tawi-Tawi, 8.8 percent; and Basilan, 8.0 percent. (Figure 1)

Figure 1. Share of Provinces to BARMM's GDP, 
At Constant 2018 Prices: 2022 (In Percent)

In terms of growth rate, four out of six provinces recorded growths faster than the region’s economic growth of 6.6 percent. These provinces were Maguindanao del Norte, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao del Sur with respective growth rates of 8.8 percent, 7.4 percent, 6.9 percent, and 6.7 percent. Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur and Sulu registered growths of 5.4 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively. (Figure 2) 

Figure 2. Economic Performance of Provinces in BARMM 
Growth Rates (in Percent), 2021 to 2022 
At Constant 2018 Prices

The PPA is a mechanism to compile the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the subregional level. Complementing the GDP at the national and regional level, the PPA will provide a suitable measure of economic performance at the provincial and highly urbanized city (HUC) level. It will also be a source of indicators to monitor economic development at the local level. Moreover, the PPA is also viewed as a means to strengthen the planning and decision-making of subregional policymakers and stakeholders in crafting more informed economic policies.

BARMM, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Caraga were included as pilot regions for the compilation of PPA in 2023. To date, 82 provinces and 17 HUCs have compiled their PPA from the 16 regions of the Philippines. Further, the results of the PPA were consistent with the annual regional accounts released on 27 April 2023.

Complete statistical tables, charts, and data visuals on the PPA of BARMM can be accessed at psa.gov.ph/statistics/ppa. Results of the PPA are also released by the respective provincial offices of the PSA through rssobarmm.psa.gov.ph/statistics/ppa. 

DIVINA GRACIA L. DEL PRADO, PhD 
Assistant Secretary 
Deputy National Statistician 
Sectoral Statistics Office