Improvements were seen in the third quarter of 2021, as the Bicol regional economy continued to gradually and safely reopen. Inflation eased to 6.9 percent in September 2021 due to the lower prices of some food items. The labor market situation improved in July 2021, with higher employment and lower unemployment rates. Production value of gold and silver minerals and the taxes paid by large-scale mining companies significantly increased. The production of palay slightly increased while other major crops, including fisheries recorded decreased production. Tourism-related establishments continued their operations in adherence to minimum health standards to ensure the safety of tourists.