Iloilo City is 4th richest outside Metro Manila in 2022

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City has emerged as the fourth wealthiest city outside Metro Manila in 2022, boasting an average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person of P306,444.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) unveiled this data in its inaugural Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) report on Monday, March 18, highlighting that Iloilo City’s GDP per person outstripped the national average of P178,751.

Mayor Jerry Trenas, reflecting on the city’s strong economic performance, credited the collective action of the local government, business sector, and residents.

“We work very hard for this. We’re very happy that Iloilo is gaining ground. Hopefully, this will continue because we have so many plans for the city,” he commented on Tuesday.

Per capita GDP serves as a key indicator of economic growth and wealth within an area.

Baguio led the list as the wealthiest city outside the capital region, with a staggering per capita GDP of P420,016, over double the national average.

Cagayan de Oro and Lapu Lapu City followed, with P343,936 and P313,039 respectively, while Bataan trailed closely behind Iloilo City with P297,930.

The report also identified Cebu City, Laguna, Mandaue City, Davao City, and Batanes among the top ten, all surpassing the national per capita GDP.

The PSA’s extensive report encompasses 82 provinces and 17 highly urbanized cities across 16 regions nationwide, providing a comprehensive economic snapshot.