The six municipalities participating in SPREDD have a combined population of 262,390, with an average unemployment rate of 11%, with Guánica leading the group with 14.8% jobless residents.
“Retaining the existing population and attracting people to return is crucial to strengthening the economy and the manufacturing industry, which accounts for about 46% of the country’s income. This effort requires a multisectoral approach that encompasses both social and economic factors.”
— Ramón Vega-Alejandro, executive director, Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension (PRiMEX)