Davao City has secured its position among the Philippines' top economic performers, ranking in the top five fastest-growing highly urbanized cities for 2024 according to official government data.
Davao's Impressive Economic Performance
The Philippine Statistics Authority revealed in its November 18, 2025 report that Davao City achieved a remarkable 7.9 percent annual growth rate, placing it among the nation's economic leaders. The comprehensive study examined the economic performance of all 33 highly urbanized cities across the country, highlighting Davao's consistent economic momentum.
While Puerto Princesa led the pack with an impressive 9.8 percent growth rate, Davao City demonstrated strong competitive performance alongside other rapidly developing urban centers. The City of Iligan followed closely with 8.8 percent growth, while Butuan City and Tacloban City recorded 8.7 percent and 8.2 percent growth rates respectively.
Substantial Contribution to National Economy
Beyond growth rates, Davao City made significant strides in its economic contribution to the national landscape. The city ranked fifth among highly urbanized cities in terms of GDP level and percent share of the national economic output for 2024.
The data shows that Davao City contributed ₱574.72 billion to the national GDP, representing a substantial 2.6 percent share of the country's total economic output. This performance underscores Davao's growing importance as a regional economic powerhouse in Mindanao and the entire Philippines.
National Economic Landscape
The PSA report provided a comprehensive picture of urban economic contributions across the archipelago. Quezon City maintained its position as the largest contributor with a 6.0 percent share of national GDP, followed by Makati City at 5.4 percent and Manila City at 4.7 percent.
Taguig City rounded out the top contributors with a 3.0 percent share, positioning Davao City as a strong contender among the country's most developed urban centers. The results highlight the continuing economic dominance of Metro Manila cities while demonstrating the rising significance of regional urban centers like Davao.
The findings from the Philippine Statistics Authority provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and development planners seeking to understand the shifting economic dynamics across the Philippines' urban landscape.
