The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the first ever report of the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Central Luzon covering the period 2018 to 2022. The release covers seven provinces, namely, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, as well as two highly urbanized cities (HUCs), namely, City of Angeles and City of Olongapo.
The PPA results showed that in 2022, Bulacan and Pampanga accounted for more than half of the region’s economy, with shares of 27.7 percent and 24.1 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Tarlac, City of Angeles, Zambales, City of Olongapo, and Aurora had shares of 13.7 percent, 11.8 percent, 8.8 percent, 6.1 percent, 4.0 percent, 2.4 percent, and 1.5 percent, respectively. (Figure 1)
Figure 1. Share of Provinces and HUCs to Central Luzon's GDP,
At Constant 2018 Prices: 2022 (In Percent)
In terms of growth rate, three economies in Central Luzon posted double-digit growths in 2022. These were Zambales, City of Angeles, and City of Olongapo with growths of 11.3 percent, 10.5 percent, and 10.2 percent, respectively. The rest of the provinces also expanded in 2022. Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Aurora registered growths of 9.8 percent, 9.7 percent, 6.7 percent, 6.14 percent, 6.13 percent, and 5.4 percent, respectively. (Figure 2)
Figure 2. Economic Performance of Provinces and HUCs in Central Luzon
Growth Rates (in Percent), 2021 to 2022
At Constant 2018 Prices
Of the PhP 244.15 billion total value of Agriculture, forestry and fishing of Central Luzon, Nueva Ecija accounted for the biggest share of 32.7 percent. Meanwhile, Pampanga and Tarlac ranked second and third with 25.7 percent and 16.9 percent shares, respectively. (Table 1)
In terms of the total value of Industry in the region, which amounted to PhP 929.66 billion, Bulacan contributed the most with 32.7 percent share. This was followed by Pampanga with 24.3 percent share and Bataan with 17.5 percent share. (Table 1)
Similarly, Bulacan had the biggest share to the PhP 1.01 trillion total value of the region’s Services with 26.9 percent. This was followed by Pampanga and Nueva Ecija with respective shares of 23.5 percent and 14.3 percent. (Table 1)
Table 1. Share of Provinces and HUCs to Central Luzon's Major Industry,
At Constant 2018 Prices: 2022
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 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.
Central Luzon, along with Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao 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 Central Luzon 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 rsso03.psa.gov.ph/statistics/ppa.
DIVINA GRACIA L. DEL PRADO, PhD
Assistant Secretary
Deputy National Statistician
Sectoral Statistics Office
