Sultan Kudarat posts province-wide poverty gains—but gaps persist for farmers, fisherfolk, and IP communities

KIDAPAWAN CITY  (March 20) — The province of Sultan Kudarat achieved a major milestone in 2023, as every municipality and its lone city recorded a decline in poverty incidence. Yet while the overall trend is positive, disparities remain stark—especially for farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous populations (IP)—and regional comparisons suggest the province still trails more developed areas.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Small Area Estimation (SAE) report show that urban centers and accessible municipalities are leading the gains. Tacurong City recorded the lowest poverty rate at 15.3 percent, followed by Isulan (19.6%) and President Quirino (20.5%).

Yet other municipalities, particularly those with large farming, fishing, and IP populations, continue to face challenges. Palimbang—historically the province’s poorest—reduced poverty from 54.1 percent in 2021 to 44 percent in 2023. Lutayan and Kalamansig both remain above 35 percent.

Sectoral disparities

• Farmers: Many upland municipalities rely heavily on subsistence farming and have limited access to markets, credit, and modern inputs. Despite provincial programs for livelihood support, smallholder farmers in areas like Lutayan and Columbio continue to report low income and vulnerability to price shocks.
• Fisherfolk: Coastal municipalities such as Palimbang and Kalamansig depend on fishing, but outdated equipment and limited cold-chain infrastructure restrict profitability, keeping poverty high despite overall provincial gains.
• Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities: Remote IP settlements in Esperanza, Lambayong, and Bagumbayan benefit less from infrastructure and social services. While Esperanza achieved a reduction from 29.4 percent in 2021 to 22.8 percent in 2023, progress is uneven, reflecting persistent geographic and socio-cultural barriers.

Regional comparisons

In broader Mindanao, Sultan Kudarat’s performance remains mixed compared to neighboring regions. The province is part of SOCCSKSARGEN, which recorded a regional poverty incidence of 23.1 percent in 2023—higher than nearby more urbanized provinces like South Cotabato (16.4%) but lower than the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which remains the country’s poorest region at 41.1 percent.

This suggests that while Sultan Kudarat is on a positive trajectory, its most vulnerable communities still face challenges similar to those in BARMM municipalities: remote locations, limited infrastructure, and livelihoods that are highly sensitive to environmental and market shocks.

Growth drivers and limits

Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu attributed the decline in poverty to improved government services, peace and order, and the growth of local industries, particularly tourism and coffee production, which have created new jobs.

Infrastructure expansions, improved access to healthcare and education, and support for farmers and fisherfolk have also contributed to rising incomes. However, uneven distribution of these benefits—especially for remote barangays and IP communities—remains a concern.

Moving from gains to inclusion

Provincial authorities emphasize inclusivity, aiming to ensure that all residents benefit from development programs. Sector-specific support for farming, fishing, and IP communities—such as livelihood training, access to credit, and culturally sensitive education—will be crucial in narrowing remaining gaps.

Provincial and municipal officials also point to the PSA’s municipal-level data as a guide for targeted interventions, stressing that continued monitoring and accountability are essential to avoid leaving vulnerable groups behind.

The next frontier

Sultan Kudarat’s across-the-board improvement is proof that sustained government efforts, community engagement, and local economic growth can reduce poverty. Yet the province’s challenge now is moving from broad gains to equitable development—ensuring that farmers, fisherfolk, and IP communities experience the same upward trajectory as urban centers like Tacurong City.

Without targeted, sectoral, and geographically sensitive strategies, provincial averages may mask persistent deprivation in the communities that need help most.