ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — Isabela emerged as the largest contributor to the economy of Cagayan Valley in 2025, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total economic output, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.
Isabela posted a gross domestic product of P218.94 billion, representing 44.7% of the region’s P489.54-billion gross regional domestic product. Cagayan ranked second with a 35.5% share, followed by Nueva Vizcaya at 13.7%, Quirino at 5% and Batanes at 1.2%.
Among the 16 production industries, transportation and storage recorded the fastest growth in 2025 at 14.9%. This was followed by human health and social work activities at 14.1%, and accommodation and food service activities at 11.9%.
Though, some industries posted declines, including construction, which contracted by 2.6%, and manufacturing, which fell by 2.4%. Overall, Isabela’s economy grew by 4.2% in 2025, slower than the 6.4% growth recorded in 2024.
“Almost everything slowed in 2025 compared to the preceding year, consistent with the national trend. But despite this slowdown, Isabela still posted the second-fastest growth in the region at 4.2%, higher than the 3.9% average growth of Cagayan Valley,” Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lalaine C. Delmendo said in mixed English and Filipino.
Ms. Delmendo said Isabela remains in a good position to sustain economic growth, with the provincial government focusing on improving agricultural productivity, value-adding and manufacturing, micro, small and medium enterprises, trade, infrastructure and investments, as well as education and human capital development.
The Isabela provincial government promised it will also continue addressing challenges posed by climate risks, market changes, technological developments and emerging industry needs. — Artemio A. Dumlao