KALIBO, Aklan – The number of domestic trade transactions in Aklan increased 84 percent in 2017, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The transactions’ total volume of trade commodities reached 31,623 metric tons (MT) last year, 14,392 MT higher compared to 2016’s 17,231 MT, the PSA reported.
Transaction volume through water trade has the largest contribution with 31,591 MT.
Transaction volume through air trade only contributed 32 MT, the PSA said.
The total value of trade commodities reached P548.9 million, 17 percent lower compared to P660.5 million in 2016.
Trade transactions were at their peak in 2017’s 2nd and 3rd quarters with 9,481 MT (361.5 million in value) and 9,829 MT (P74.7 million in value), respectively.
The cargoes that were transported in and out of the province last year include passenger buses, 6-wheeler trucks, 10-wheeler trucks, motorcycles, special utility vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, heavy equipment vehicles, scrap materials, fish (fresh and dry) and other marine products, abaca, charcoal, household appliances, furniture, copra, rice and other food items, and live animals, among others.
Meanwhile, PSA records showed that outbound passengers in Aklan increased almost five times, from 198,418 in 2016 to 942,704 in 2017.
The number of outbound passengers in the province was at its peak in May with 165,202. April followed with 131,786 while in January, 91,663.
Provincial Statistics Officer Antonet Catubuan said the domestic trade statistics were compiled from copies of coasting manifests and coastwise passenger manifest collected from Philippine Ports Authority and copies of airway bills from the Philippine Airlines.
PSO Catubuan said the data will be used as basis in the formulation and implementation of government programs like countryside development and port planning. (With PSA Aklan/PN)
