Zamboanga Sibugay has emerged as the fastest-growing economy in the Zamboanga Peninsula, clocking a 6% growth rate in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). While this performance is a slight dip from the provinceโs 8.6% growth in 2022, it still outpaces its regional neighbors, with Zamboanga del Sur at 5% and Zamboanga del Norte at 4.9%.
Yet, this impressive economic surge comes with a caveat: the environmental toll of its rapid development. Mining and quarrying, the provinceโs fastest-growing industries, expanded by a staggering 89.2% last year, raising concerns about sustainability and ecological preservation.
‘Spend, spend, spend’
โSpend, spend, spend is the marching order of Governor Ann Hofer,โ shared Atty. Jay Millena, provincial administrator of Zamboanga Sibugay. The governorโs bold economic agenda prioritizes spending to generate jobs and create economic opportunities over saving resources. This strategy appears to have fueled significant contributions from key sectors, including construction; and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; and transportation and storage.
Business leader Roseller Briones, president of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the province, acknowledged the impact of these policies, noting, โThe local economy has indeed grown. But I am wondering if the people have felt this growth.โ
Mining, Quarrying And Economy
The provinceโs economic policy has undeniably boosted mining and quarrying, which PSA identified as the leading industry driving growth. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued permits to several mining companies, namely: Benguet Corporation for its gold project in R.T. Lim town; and Siennalyn Gold Mining Corporation, operating across R.T. Lim, Ipil, and Titay.
Nearby, in Zamboanga del Norte, the Florjenmar Mining and Development Corporation (FMDC) received a permit for its nickel project in Gutalac town.
These activities have generated jobs and income, contributing to the local economy through increased activity in the wholesale and retail trade sector. Ipil, the provincial capital, has become a hub for mining personnel conducting business and marketing activities.
Despite the economic benefits, concerns loom over the environmental costs. Mining and quarrying are resource-intensive industries often linked to deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. These issues could undermine the long-term sustainability of Zamboanga Sibugayโs economic gains.
Briones said there is a need for a balanced approach. โThe challenge for the province is to sustain economic growth while addressing its environmental impact,โ he said.
While registering the highest economic growth surpassing its neighboring provinces and the highly-urbanized city (HIC) of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay was not the top contributor to the economy in the region.
Zamboanga City was the largest contributor to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2023. It accounted for almost one-third of the regionโs economy atย 32.3 percent. This was followed by Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur withย 26.9 percent,ย andย 23.8 percentย shares, respectively.ย Zamboanga Sibugay had contributed 14.3 percent, and Isabela City, 2.7 percent.
