The CY 2019 SOOCSKSARGEN Annual Regional Economic Situationer highlights the following:
A. The Total crime volume and crime rates decreased from 2018 to 2019 due to strengthened security measures like martial law in Mindanao.
B. The labor force participation rate and employment rate slightly decreased while unemployment rate slightly increased.
C. The Agricultural production of crops like palay, corn, banana, and fisheries declined likely due to dry spells and shifting crops. Livestock inventory also declined to meet holiday demand.
D. The Inflation rate decreased to 2.8% in 2019 compared to 6.2% in 2018.
E. The purchasing power of the peso and unemployment rate also slightly decreased while investments and tourism grew.