TAGBILARAN CITY – The economic health of Bohol has improved a lot as it posted 8.8% growth in 2024, surpassing 6.5% in the preceding year at constant 2018 prices, and th highest in Central Visayas, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Bohol Provincial Statistics Chief Statistical Specialist Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren during the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Dissemination Forum held at Jjs Seafood Village on October 7, 2025.
The said economic performance was given emphasis by the governor in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered at the ceremonial hall, Capitol, Tagbilarn City on October 10, 2025, when minutes before a magnitude 4 tremor shocked the city.
The growth rate of Bohol (8.8%), the fastest growing economy in region7, is higher than 7.3% of the entire region 7, composed of five economies: Cebu province, 7.3%; Cebu City,7.0%; Mandaue City, 6.9; and Lapu-lapu, 6.5%.
The improved performance of Bohol translates to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Php198.29 billion in 2024 from Php182.22 billion and Php171.08 billion in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Bohol’s economic performance ranks 6th (from 39th) and 5th in agriculture, forestry and fishing (AFF) of the performing local government units composed of 82 provinces and 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in the country, according to Elgie Rosenblad, PSA’s supervising statistician.
It (Bohol) contributes a share of 15.5% to the total of Php1.2 trillion in regional GDP. The biggest is Cebu with 34.6%; Cebu city, 26.2% Lapu-lapu City, 13.8% and Mandaue City, 9.9%.
Contributory to Bohol’s rapid economic health are industries at constant 2018 prices, the following: accommodation/food service at 16.0%; public administration/defense, 15.7%; human health/social work activities, 13.9%; Transportation and storage, 12.0%; mining and quarrying, 11.7%; agriculture, forestry and fishing (AFF), 10.7%; wholesale/retail trade/repair of motor vehicles, 9.2%; financial and insurance, 9.1%; manufacturing, 9.0%; construction, 8.9%; professional and business services, 8.2%; Other services,6.4%; electricity, water and waste management, 4.6%; information and communication, 3.1%; real estate/ownership of dwellings, 2.9%; and education, 1.2%.
The per capita GDP of Bohol in 2024 was estimated at Php140,363.00. Lapu-lapu got the highest with Php354,267; Cebu City, Php346,491; Mandaue City, 345,904; and Cebu, Php120,727, PSA said.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, who personally attended the forum, said he’s inspired with the data presented, adding that “we are in a right track of governance” in the policies and programs implemented.
The Provincial Product Accounts demonstrates indicates that “we are confident that the numbers shared by PSA-Bohol will entice even more investors to set up shop here.”
“The PPA is more than just statistics; it reflects the real Bohol. It is not only an indication of how our economic policies are performing but also a source of hope for all of us, a solid proof that there is light even in the face of challenges. Better economic statistics means better Bohol. Better growth numbers mean a brighter future for every Boholano,” the governor concluded. (Ric Obedencio)
