Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC-13) chairperson and Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. welcomed on Friday the region’s economic performance, describing it as an achievement rooted in resilience and dynamism.

Demerey’s reaction came after the Philippine Statistics Authority announced on Thursday that the region’s economy grew by 5.7 percent last year.

The region’s economic performance last year was the second highest among the 18 regions in the country and outpaced the national average of 4.4 percent.

“This strong performance reflects the resilience and dynamism of our people, with the Services sector leading the growth with Industry and Agriculture providing vital support,” Demerey said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency.

The achievement, he added, indicates the growing role of Services in shaping Caraga’s economy, contributing more than half of the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

The RDC chair also noted the major contributions of Industry and Agriculture, which remain essential pillars and help balance the sustainability of the region’s development.

“As RDC chair, I reaffirm our commitment to sustaining this momentum through the continued implementation of the i2 FAME, the centerpiece of our 2023-2028 Caraga Regional Development Plan for economic and social transformation,” Demerey said.

“It is designed to strengthen infrastructure, enhance productivity, promote innovation, and ensure inclusive growth across all provinces,” he added.

The i2 stands for industrialization and innovation, while FAME represents the Fishery, Agroforestry, Mining, and Ecotourism sectors in the region.

“Caraga’s rising per capita GRDP, now at PHP129,925, is a testament to the progress we are making together,” Demerey said.

He also expressed gratitude to various line agencies, local government units, business sector and communities for their support that contributes to the region’s success. (PNA)