Iligan Achieves Major Economic Milestone
Iligan City has been recognized as the second fastest-growing highly urbanized city in the country, based on the 2024 Provincial Product Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The city recorded an 8.8 percent GDP growth rate, outpacing the national figure of 5.7 percent.
Only Puerto Princesa City registered a higher growth rate at 9.8 percent, while Butuan City followed Iligan at 8.7 percent. Iligan’s performance exceeded that of other key highly urbanized cities including Tacloban, Davao, Bacolod, Makati, Malabon, Iloilo, and Cebu.
Key points from the report
- Iligan recorded 8.8 percent GDP growth in 2024
- Ranked No. 2 among the country’s fastest-growing HUCs
- Growth rate exceeded the Philippine average by over three percentage points
- Performance attributed to collective local effort and strengthened collaboration across sectors
Local leadership emphasized that the city’s advancement reflects the shared work and commitment of Iliganons, with optimism for sustaining or surpassing the growth rate in the coming year.
Strengthening Momentum for Continued Growth
Iligan’s strong economic performance positions the city for further expansion in 2025. With continued unity and coordinated development initiatives, stakeholders remain confident in maintaining the city’s upward trajectory.
FAQs: How Iligan’s Economic Growth Ranking May Shape Its Future
1. How will Iligan’s high GDP growth influence future investments?
Strong economic performance makes Iligan more attractive to investors, increasing the likelihood of new businesses, commercial centers, and industrial expansions.
2. Will this growth create more jobs for Iliganons?
Yes. Higher economic activity typically leads to job generation across sectors such as manufacturing, services, technology, retail, and logistics.
3. How can this ranking affect infrastructure development?
Sustained growth encourages government and private developers to expand infrastructure, including roads, utilities, digital connectivity, and transport systems.
4. Will Iligan gain more national visibility and support?
Being among the fastest-growing HUCs raises Iligan’s profile nationally, making the city a stronger candidate for national programs, grants, and development partnerships.
5. How might this improve public services?
With increased revenue potential, the city can strengthen healthcare, education, disaster preparedness, digital governance, and community services.
6. Will Iligan’s growth boost the local creative and tech sectors?
Yes. Economic momentum supports innovation hubs, smart city initiatives, and creative industries, encouraging talent retention and new opportunities.
7. How will this affect Iligan’s competitiveness in Mindanao?
Iligan’s strong performance positions the city as a leading economic player in Mindanao, enhancing its role in regional trade, innovation, and inter-city collaboration.
8. Could this growth impact cost of living?
Economic expansion may gradually increase demand for housing and services, which can influence prices. Proper planning can help balance affordability.
9. What does this mean for small and local businesses?
Local enterprises could benefit from a larger consumer base, improved market conditions, and more government support for entrepreneurship.
10. How can Iligan sustain or improve its growth in the coming years?
Continued unity among stakeholders, strategic planning, sustainable governance, and community participation will be essential to maintaining upward progress.
