The regional economy of Bicol region recorded the highest growth rate it has ever attained in terms of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) as presented by the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) Regional Director Cynthia Perdiz during the news conference on the 2015 Report on the Regional Economy of Bicol Region held last July 28 at Ninongs Hotel, Legazpi City.

The Bicol region topped in terms of economic growth among other regions nationwide. It accelerated to 8.4 percent in 2015, almost double its pace in 2014.

Meanwhile, NEDA Regional Director Agnes Espinas said that DSWD’s programs contribute to this economic growth.

According to her, Services contributed the biggest share of the region’s economy with 56.1 percent while the Industry’s share of 22.5 percent in 2015 improved by 2.8 percent in 2014.

Services include investments in people such as Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. In 2015, a total of about 369, 000 beneficiaries received conditional cash transfers from the program.

The conduct of 2015 Listahanan household assessment also generated jobs in the other services sector employing 2, 966 field staff all across the region for the conduct of the 2nd round of assessment.

Moreover, the KALAHI-CIDSS or the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services contributed on the other capital outlays with the construction of 1, 370 classrooms for senior highs school, 221 community centers or multi-purpose buildings, 217 flood/river control structures and 215 school buildings. Likewise, the completion of 7, 843 core shelter units under the Core Shelter Assistance Program.

Meanwhile, DSWD’s budget for this year amounted to 8.4 billion, 4% higher than the 2015 fund allocation.###