ISULAN, SULTAN KUDARAT — Sultan Kudarat secured the highest agricultural share in the Soccsksargen region at 33% last year, pacing local economic expansion as its economy grew by 1.2% in 2025.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) figures, Sultan Kudarat emerged as a primary growth center in the region, complemented by contributions from neighboring areas. South Cotabato posted a 24.7% economic share, Cotabato recorded 25.8%, Sarangani registered 29.4%, and General Santos City accounted for 11.3%.
Within Sultan Kudarat, the services sector drove the local economy with a 46.3% contribution, while the industrial sector added 20.6%.
Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu noted that these metrics reflect the province’s robust farming roots while pointing toward expanded industrial potential.
“The province is now pursuing a development direction that connects agriculture, industry, and services, creating stronger value chains from farm production to processing, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and trade,” Governor Mangudadatu said.
Provincial initiatives target key commodities like coffee, palm oil, rice, fisheries, and tourism, alongside increased investments in processing facilities, logistics, and farm-to-market roads.
PSA data further revealed that top-performing industries included public administration and defense at 16.3%, accommodation and food service activities at 10.5%, and financial and insurance activities at 8.2%. Wholesale and retail sectors also figured prominently with a 13.8% economic share.
Sultan Kudarat recorded a per capita GDP of ₱88,053 in 2025 as local leadership pushes to transform the province into an agro-industrial and service-driven economy.
“Our direction is clear: From farm to factory, from local markets to global markets, and from raw commodities to high-value products,” Mangudadatu added.