Bencyrus Ellorin .
THE economy of Northern Mindanao dipped in 2017, compared to 2016. From the second highest performing regional economy in 2016, the region slid to No. 4.
Economists at the National Economic Development Authority in the region were obviously hard pressed to explain the decrease from 2016’s 6.9 gross regional domestic production to 5.9.
Expectedly, the President’s home region is high up in the stratosphere from a GRDP of 9 in 2016 to 10.9 last year.
There were attempts to explain the slower economic performance of region which was outperformed by Region 12 (Soccsksargen) with 8.2; Armm, 7.3. NM only outperformed Caraga, 4.3, and Region 9 with 2.3.
“Build, Build, Build” which contributes biggest to the economic upswing are observable across the region. Does it mean that there are more public infrastructure in Davao region compared to other Mindanao regions? Perhaps.
But Northern Mindanao also has big ticket public infra. In the other economic accounts, services, agriculture and industry, Northern Mindanao has been faring well. In fact, according to the Neda growth across sector in Northern Mindanao is balanced. This is good for inclusive growth and resilience.
Government economists however are silent on the impact of peace and order on Northern Mindanao’s GRDP decline. It is silent on the impact of the Marawi crises and martial law.
Although, Marawi is part of Armm, the second best performing Mindanao regional economy, we ask why it performed well?
Marawi City and Lanao del Sur are geographically part of Northern Mindanao. Economic activity of the Armm is also focused on the Cotabato and Maguindanao and Sulu, Tawi tawi, Basilan areas.
Many business people are muted, perhaps not wanting to stir the bird’s nest, but they are very much aware of the elephant in the room.
With the declaration of martial law, several conventions and thousands of tourist bookings were cancelled. Hopefully, with things going back to normal except for the retention of martial law, the region will recover.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
