In his fourth State of the Province Address (SOPA) after getting a fresh mandate for a new term, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. highlighted the accomplishments of his administration in the last three years, especially on the province’s economic gains.
The SOPA, delivered on Thursday afternoon, was one of the highlights of the weeklong 19th Charter celebration of the Dinagat Islands.
Demerey said the island province’s economic standing, which is seen as the fastest in terms of growth since 2024 in the entire Caraga Region and fourth in the country, can be likened to a “Dragon Economy.”
“United, as one province, we will continue to drive Dinagat Islands forward, transforming challenges into opportunities,” Demerey said.
He added that Dinagat’s “Dragon Economy” benefits not only the business sector and micro, small, and medium Enterprises, but also farmers, fisherfolk, and other sectors in the province.
Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated that the Dinagat Islands registered the fastest economic growth in the region in 2024, increasing from 5.2 percent in 2023 to 9.6 percent, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at PHP13.84 billion.
“With the ‘Dragon Economy’ we achieved, the agriculture, fisheries, industry, and the services sectors in our province have significantly grown in the last two years,” Demerey said.
The PSA data also indicated that Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing in the province logged a 13.1 percent growth with a value of PHP .73 billion, the Industry with 11.7 percent at PHP 7.36 billion, and the Services with a 6.6 percent increase.
Demerey also reported on the continuing infrastructure and social services programs in the province, which are funded by both the national government and provincial sources.
He particularly mentioned the ongoing PHP492-million farm-to-market road being implemented by the Philippine Rural Development Program project under the Department of Agriculture.
The project, spanning 14 kilometers, would connect Barangays Sering in Libjo and Plaridel in Basilisa, as well as Barangays Garcia in Libjo and Sto. Nino in Basilisa, and directly benefits 4,786 families.
Seventy-six roads in the province are also undergoing upgrading and repairs, with a cost of PHP285 million.
Similarly, 20 improvements and upgrading works are also underway in district hospitals valued at PHP65 million, while 42 repair works are being carried out in government buildings and facilities, with a budget of PHP268 million.
In terms of tourism, the province recorded an increase of 111,971 foreign and local visits from 2024 to 2025, generating PHP559.8 million in economic value.
Moreover, the governor said the province has allocated PHP6.037 million for the local pension of senior citizens this year, PHP25 million for honorariums to Barangay Health Workers, PHP3.7 million for Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and PHP2.039 million for Barangay Population Volunteers.
About PHP85.037 million is also allocated for the scholarship program in the province, he added. (PNA)