• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Island Region (NIR) emerged as the country’s third fastest-growing economy in 2025, recording a 5.699% growth rate, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.
NIR narrowly missed second place, trailing Caraga, which posted 5.704% growth. Western Visayas topped the rankings with 6.4% growth.
The NIR’s growth rate surpassed the national economic growth average of 4.40%.
Other regions that recorded notable growth rates were Davao Region at 5.15%, CALABARZON at 5.10%, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at 5.0% and Northern Mindanao at 4.9%.
The figures underscore the economic performance of the newly restored Negros Island Region, which brings together Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor under a single regional administrative structure.
PSA said the NIR’s initial economic performance provides a benchmark for assessing its development prospects and the impact of closer coordination among its component provinces and cities.
With established agricultural, industrial, tourism, and service sectors, the region has opportunities to strengthen economic linkages, attract investments, and expand livelihood opportunities across its territories, it added.
The growth figures also highlight the importance of coordinated development efforts among national government agencies, local government units, businesses, and other stakeholders.
PSA said the challenge for the NIR is to sustain its economic growth and ensure that its gains translate into more employment opportunities, stronger local industries, improved infrastructure, and better living conditions for communities in the region. | GPB
