Inflation fears after Super Typhoon Uwan proved unfounded as the Philippines closed 2025 at 1.7%, well below the government’s 2% to 4% target, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
December inflation ticked up to 1.8% from November’s 1.5%, reflecting temporary food supply disruptions.
“Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy has remained resilient against inflationary pressures due to the government’s timely and targeted interventions,” said Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
He added that fiscal and monetary coordination, alongside structural reforms, will sustain low inflation and inclusive growth in 2026.
Vegetables saw sharp increases—onions up 79%, eggplants 29.4%, and pumpkins 20.1%—while fish prices rose 9%. Pork inflation eased to 4.8% as African swine fever cases declined, chicken slowed to 0.7% amid surplus supply, and rice posted a –12.3% deflation.
Officials credited stability to targeted policies and the ₱297.1 billion agriculture budget for 2026, which funds farm-to-market roads, cold storage, rice mills, and food security programs. The Department of Energy is also fast-tracking 200 power projects to manage energy costs.
“These policy initiatives form part of our broader thrust to attain food security, improve human capital, and enhance the quality and efficiency of public service delivery,” Balisacan said. “They enable inclusive, broad-based growth for all Filipinos.”