Leadership, Stability, and the Next Chapter of Aklan’s Economic Story

By: Guidon Dela Cruz

Aklan’s economy is enjoying a moment of stability that few provinces can match. According to the latest report of the Aklan Provincial Statistical Office dated August 15, 2025, prepared by Chief Statistical Specialist Engr. Antonet Catubuan, the province’s average inflation rate stood at -2.7% as of July 2025—the lowest in Western Visayas and one of the most favorable in recent years. This translated into improved purchasing power, rising from ₱0.80 in July 2024 to ₱0.82 in July 2025.

For the average household, this improvement means more goods and services for the same peso, a tangible relief in a period when many parts of the country are still battling rising costs.

Behind this achievement is a clear example of strategic governance. Under the leadership of Governor Joen Miraflores, the provincial government has invested heavily in agriculture and infrastructure—farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, irrigation systems—that have reduced costs for farmers and improved market access. The entry of external rice supply into local markets further stabilized prices, while favorable weather in the first half of the year provided an additional boost to production.

Engr. Catubuan’s report highlights that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category was the leading driver of the downtrend, posting a -5.9% month-on-month decrease, and accounting for 67.5% of the provincial inflation rate computation. Rice, being the staple food, had the most significant influence, and lower prices in this sector have rippled through the economy—lightening household expenses and boosting retail spending capacity.

Yet, while consumers enjoy these benefits, there is a parallel challenge. Prolonged deflation in agricultural commodities could squeeze farm incomes, discouraging production in the long run. For a province where agriculture remains a key economic pillar, the need for a balanced approach is urgent.

This is why the next chapter of Aklan’s economic story must be about shared prosperity. The provincial government has already shown it can lower inflation; now it must ensure farmers also benefit from this stability. This means increasing targeted public spending—not only on infrastructure, but also on price stabilization funds to protect farm-gate prices during peak harvests, investments in value-added processing and packaging to raise product margins, and storage and logistics facilities to manage seasonal surpluses effectively.

With this dual approach—protecting consumer purchasing power while strengthening farmer incomes—Aklan can set a benchmark for inclusive economic growth. The leadership has already demonstrated that strong governance and data-driven decisions, backed by reliable statistics like those provided by the Aklan Provincial Statistical Office, can deliver results. The challenge now is to sustain these gains, ensuring that both urban consumers and rural producers share in the province’s economic progress.

Governor Miraflores’ administration has laid the foundation; the next move is to build on it so that Aklan’s stability today becomes the springboard for a more prosperous, more resilient tomorrow.