FOR the period 2018 to 2020, the Province of Cebu has led the economy of Central Visayas with an average share of 30.7 percent or P365.11 billion of the region’s P1.19 trillion economy.

This was according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s first time release of the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Central Visayas during the period. The release covered four provinces, namely Cebu, Bohol. Siquijor, Negos Oriental and three highly urbanized cities--Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

After Cebu Province, Cebu City followed suit with an average share of 22.1 percent, followed by Bohol (13.2 percent) and Negros (12.6 percent).

Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City recorded a share of 12.1 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Siquijor recorded the least average share of 0.9 percent during the three-year period.

Central Visayas, along with Mimaropa and Northern Mindanao regions, was selected as one of the pilot regions for the compilation of PPA starting 2021.

The results covering the period are consistent with the annual regional accounts released on April 29, 2021, the PSA said.