BALANGA CITY (PIA) — The economy of Bataan surged by 9.3 percent in 2024, outpacing its 6.3 percent growth in the previous year and marking the fastest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion among provinces and highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in Central Luzon.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bataan’s GDP was estimated at P300.61 billion in 2024, reflecting the province’s strong economic performance and sustained investor confidence.
Among industries, the construction sector recorded the fastest growth with 18.1 percent, followed by financial and insurance activities at 14.4 percent, and human health and social work activities at 14.0 percent.
Meanwhile, the mining and quarrying industry registered a 13.1 percent decline.
Of all provinces and HUCs in the region, Bataan posted the highest GDP growth rate, followed by Tarlac with 7.6 percent, Bulacan with 7.0 percent, and Angeles City with 6.9 percent. These areas all surpassed the regional GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent.
The province’s per capita GDP was pegged at P337,218, computed by dividing the total provincial GDP by the 2024 population as determined in the Census of Population.
Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III lauded the latest PSA report, which also recognized Bataan as the Top 5 among provinces and highly urbanized cities in the country with the largest economic output and growth outside the National Capital Region.
“Patunay lamang po ito na patuloy ang paglakas at pagsigla ng ating ekonomiya dahil sa patuloy na pagdating ng mga mamumuhunan at pagdami ng mga negosyo. Dahil po dito, patuloy ang pagdami ng oportunidad sa paghahanapbuhay sa ating probinsya na isa sa mga mahahalagang dahilan sa pagtaas ng kalidad ng pamumuhay nating mga Bataeño,” Garcia said.
The provincial government continues to implement programs that foster an enabling environment for business growth and job creation, aligning with national efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the countryside. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
