Dumaguete City hosted a regional dissemination forum on construction statistics and agriculture and fisheries performance, bringing together government agencies and stakeholders to discuss regional development priorities. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Negros Island Region participated in the event on November 3, 2026, at Growpoint, Dumaguete City, emphasizing the importance of statistical data in planning investments and addressing challenges affecting the region's economy.
Construction Statistics Provide Insights Into Regional Growth
The Regional Dissemination Forum on Construction Statistics from Approved Building Permits highlighted the importance of construction data in understanding the region's economic development. During the discussion, DEPDev NIR Policy Formulation and Planning Chief Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag emphasized that construction statistics provide baseline information for analyzing industry growth and identifying potential investment opportunities. These insights can help guide regional planning and support initiatives aimed at strengthening economic expansion across Negros Island Region.
Agriculture and Fisheries Performance Faces Emerging Challenges
The forum also presented the 2025 performance of the agriculture and fisheries sector, which reportedly rebounded from its previous year's contraction. However, stakeholders were reminded to prepare for several challenges in 2026, including Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect infestation, African Swine Fever, Super El Niño, and volcanic activity from Mt. Kanlaon. These concerns highlight the need for coordinated efforts and appropriate measures to protect agricultural production, support local farmers and fisherfolk, and strengthen the sector's resilience against potential disruptions.
Regional Data Strengthens Development Planning
Organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority–Negros Island Region, the activity formed part of a series of statistical data dissemination forums covering different sectors throughout the year. Through the presentation of updated construction, agriculture, and fisheries data, participating agencies were encouraged to use reliable information in developing policies and investment programs. DEPDev NIR's participation further emphasized the importance of interagency coordination and data-driven planning in translating regional priorities into development initiatives that support economic growth and community welfare.
