Ilocos Sur posted 4.2 percent economic growth in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching P107.47 billion, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Ilocos Region.
The figure, based on the latest Provincial Product Accounts (PPA), was presented during a forum on Sept. 29.
Accommodation and food service activities recorded the fastest growth at 16.7 percent, followed by public administration and defense at 15.4 percent, and human health and social work activities at 8.1 percent.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Architect Estrelita Rugnao attributed the strong performance of accommodation and food services to increasing tourist arrivals and the growth of local enterprises.
Meanwhile, mining and quarrying and financial and insurance activities were the only sectors that contracted, declining by 0.4 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.
The 2025 growth was slower than the 5.5 percent recorded in 2024, when the provincial economy reached P103.16 billion.
PSA Chief Statistical Specialist Jeanette Marzan said the economy nevertheless remained stable.
Marzan noted that agriculture remains vital to the province but continues to face challenges from high fuel costs and natural disasters. She urged local governments to strengthen support for farmers and fisherfolk.
She also cautioned that GDP growth alone does not measure people’s welfare, saying employment, poverty and other indicators must also be considered.
Rugnao, meanwhile, stressed that economic growth should go hand in hand with environmental protection, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and proper land use.
The PSA said the PPA is intended to help local governments assess economic performance and guide development planning.