Chief Statistical Specialist Julius M. Emperador, alongside Vice Governor and Chairperson Hon. Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Senior Statistical Specialist Engr. Marivic M. Garcia, Statistical Specialist II Ms. Cristilu A. Geronimo, and Statistical Analyst Engr. Zamantha Louline Respicio, during the PGI 1st Quarter Joint Meeting held on February 4, 2025, at GFNDy Sr. Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

06 February 2025 – CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Isabela proudly participated in the Provincial Government of Isabela's (PGI) 1st Quarter Joint Meeting for Economic Growth, Public Safety, and Environmental Sustainability, held on February 4, 2025, at the GFNDy Sr. Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

Chief Statistical Specialist Julius M. Emperador delivered the comprehensive Provincial Economic Situation Report, covering the December 2024 Inflation Report, 2023 Poverty Statistics, and 2023 Economic Performance of Isabela.

Key highlights of the report included:

•    Inflation Rate: Isabela recorded a 4.0% inflation rate in December 2024, primarily driven by a significant 6.2% increase in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. The sharpest price surge was noted in tomatoes, which spiked by 135%.
•    Economic Growth: The province's economy grew by 4.6% in 2023. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors remained dominant, contributing 29.8% to the overall economic output. Trade, construction, and manufacturing sectors also showed robust performance, collectively accounting for 65% of the provincial economy.
•    Regional Leadership: Isabela continues to lead as the economic powerhouse of the Cagayan Valley, contributing an impressive 44.2% to the region's total economic output.
•    Poverty Reduction: The Poverty Incidence Among Families in Isabela significantly decreased from 15.9% in 2021 to 8.4% in 2023. Additionally, the Average Provincial Poverty Threshold per Family was recorded at Php 14,375.

Vice Governor Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy III, who led the joint meeting, underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making. "The challenges before us—economic recovery, public safety, the fight against illegal drugs, and environmental sustainability—demand not just strategies, but steadfast commitment and decisive leadership," he said.

PSA-Isabela remains committed to providing accurate and timely statistical data to support evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development initiatives in the province. For more information, please visit www.psa.gov.ph.

JULIUS M. EMPERADOR
Chief Statistical Specialist
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