Northern Mindanao's landlocked province, considered as the food basket of the region, managed to pull itself out from top 10 provinces in the countrywith the highest poverty incidence.
Bukidnon made the giant leap from 54.13% poverty incidence (2015) down to 32.05% poverty incidence recorded last first semester of 2018. With the recent figures, Bukidnon is no longer one of the top 10 provinces in the country with the highest poverty incidence.
Bukidnon has 20 municipalities and 2 cities, Malaybalay and Valencia. Bearing a land area of 829,378 hectares, it is the largest province in Northern Mindanaoand the eighth largest in the country.
According to a study by Beethoven Morales of Research Institute for Mindanao Culture in Xavier University, "The incidence of poverty is high because Bukidnon is largely dependent on traditional forms of agriculture where incomes are substantially low. "
There are several anti-poverty programs run by the government to reduce poverty incidence. In the first quarter of 2018, the provincial government laid out at least P300 million for livelihood projects. Provincial board member Nemesio Beltran Jr. expected 2018 to "usher in a robust economy to the Province of Bukidnon."
He said that infrastructure expenditure would surely boost Bukidnon’s economy. There is about P1.3 billion intended to maintain all barangay roadsin the province. Manolo Fortich mayor Clive Quiño alos envisioned his municipality to host the first Public Economic Zone in the province.
An airport projectis also ongoing in the province. The project site is in Brgy. Maray-Maray, Don Carlos, Bukidnon with intended completion date after 360 days. About P400 million has already been reservedfor site development project that includes Stripping, Excavation, Embankment, Concrete Works, etc.