Despite the worldwide financial crisis in 2009, the region’s economy remained resilient and strong. Inflation and unemployment rates were kept at single digit level throughout the year. Production of major agricultural and fishery products increased. New business name registration, paid up capital of business establishments and exports also increased. Foreign tourist arrivals, however, declined last year.

Region VI continues to be the 3rd fastest growing regional economy outside of Metro Manila during the last three years. In 2008, our growth rate went down to only 4.4 percent owing to the global economic crisis, but this was higher than that of the country which grew by only 4 percent. >>>More.