Is surprisingly a first-class province by income classification. While there is an absence of mineral deposits, Sulu nevertheless abounds in timber resources. And lying outside the typhoon belt, it is blessed with a year-round bounty of harvests both from the land and the sea. Due to the character of soil and climate, the province of Sulu grows greater variety of products than any other part of the country. In addition to all the crops of the islands, which are abaca, coconut and fruits like oranges, lanzones and jacks, other fruits that do not grow in the northern islands are harvested, such as the mangosteen and durian.
Fishing is the most important industry.
Trepang and pearls are extensively gathered. Sea turtles and fish of all kinds are caught. Unfortunately, most of the fishing industry has gone into the hands of the Chinese and Japanese. During a break from their fishing activity, the people of Sulu engage in boat-building and mat weaving. The people have learned how to produce beautiful trays and combs out of the back of the turtles.