San jose de buenavista: The economy of Antique experienced a 4.4 percent growth in 2024, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching an estimated PHP75.75 billion. This marks an acceleration from the 2.6 percent growth recorded in 2023, as highlighted by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Antique Chief Statistical Specialist Randy Tacogdoy. He presented the highlights of the 2024 Economic Performance of the province at Casa Augusta in San Jose de Buenavista.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tacogdoy identified human health and social work activities as the fastest-growing industry in the province, achieving a growth rate of 15 percent. This was followed by financial and insurance activities with a 14.3 percent rise, and accommodation and food service activities, which grew by 12 percent. Antique also recorded the highest per capita GDP among the provinces in Western Visayas, estimated at PHP117,772. This figure is derived by dividing the province's GDP by its total population based on the 2024 Census of Population.

PSA Senior Statistical Specialist Florande Polistico, during the open forum, attributed the rapid growth in human health and social work activities to the administration's prioritization, such as the implementation of anti-poverty programs by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). These programs have significantly contributed to the economic upliftment of the province.

Antique Pantawid Provincial Link Jeffrey Gabucay emphasized the impact of DSWD initiatives like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension, and Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) in improving the lives of impoverished families. In Antique, approximately 23,470 household beneficiaries of 4Ps received cash grants, enhancing their purchasing power and contributing to economic growth. Gabucay noted that more than PHP2 billion had been disbursed to these household beneficiaries since the 4Ps program's inception in the province in 2009.