20 November 2024 – BANGUED, ABRA. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Abra Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) recently hosted a dissemination forum on November 13, 2024, to share insights on Abra's economic performance in 2023. The event, held at the Social Hall, Provincial Capitol in Bangued, Abra, was led by Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Felixberto B. Perdido, Supervising Statistical Specialist (SSS) and Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Provincial Focal Person Jaeriel R. Bersamina, and Provincial Planning Development Coordinator (PPDC) Santos B. Bernardez, EnP. Attendees included representatives from various line agencies, local government units, and relying parties, all gathered to discuss the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) for 2023. This initiative is part of the PSA's efforts to provide accurate and timely statistics, supporting informed decision-making at the sub-regional level.

The recent forum on Abra's economic performance in 2023 kicked off with an invocation and the national anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the event. Senior Statistical Specialist Ludivina S. Beñas welcomed the participants, followed by messages from esteemed guests, including PSA RSSO CAR Regional Director Villafe P. Alibuyog and National Statisticial and Civil Registration General Claire Dennis S. Mapa, which were delivered by SSS Bersamina and Statistical Specialist II Juan Jethro S. Ocbina of Macroeconomic Accounts Service - Production Accounts Division, respectively. Chief Statistical Specialist Felixberto B. Perdido presented the highlights of Abra's economic performance, revealing a notable boost in 2023. The province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached P25.65 billion, a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year's P24.57 billion. Although this growth rate is slower than the 9.1 percent recorded in 2022 and 10.1 percent in 2021, it showcases the province's economic resilience. The CSS added that the fastest growth was recorded under the Transportation and Storage Industry and Accommodation and Food Service Activities. PPDC Bernardez provided insights into the factors contributing to these figures. The event concluded with an open forum, closing remarks by SSS Bersamina, and a photo opportunity with PSO personnel and attendees.

The PPA provides valuable data on the economic performance of provinces and highly urbanized cities, serving as a vital tool for monitoring development and progress. With the compilation of the 2023 PPA, stakeholders can expect to gain a deeper understanding of Abra's economic landscape, driving growth and development in the region.

Prepared by:                                                           Approved for Release:

ANGELEE ANN B. PEREZ                                        JAERIEL R. BERSAMINA
PSO Abra Staff                                                      Supervising Statistical Specialist
                                                                             Officer-in-Charge