The country’s chief executives remain broadly confident in the outlook of the various industries over the next 12 months despite persistent challenges such as corruption, macroeconomic volatility, and geopolitical risks, according to the CEO Survey 2025 conducted by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines.
The survey, which gathered insights from 175 CEOs—majority from large enterprises and MAP membership—revealed that 83 percent remain optimistic about their respective industries, while 84 percent expect revenue growth in the coming year. The findings reflect strong boardroom confidence in the country’s economic resilience.
“CEOs in the Philippines see both the risks and opportunities that lie ahead—including the rising digital economy, sustained consumer spending, robust banking system, and easing inflation and interest rates,” said Roderick Danao, chairman and senior partner at PwC Philippines.
Danao also noted that while executives remain upbeat, they are not blind to external headwinds. “They are anticipating disruptions from fracturing geopolitics and global trade uncertainties, which could reignite inflationary pressures,” he said.
Despite short-term optimism, long-term viability is in question, with more than half of respondents expressing concern that their companies would not remain economically sustainable over the next decade without transformation.
Top threats identified include inflation (94 percent) and macroeconomic volatility (93 percent), underscoring the cautious stance CEOs are taking as they assess structural risks in the broader economic environment.
The survey also highlights the growing centrality of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate strategy. Approximately 68 percent of CEOs have incorporated AI into strategic planning, and 60 percent have begun implementation, signaling a rapid shift in operational priorities.
“AI is transforming the way businesses operate, unlocking opportunities to boost efficiency, elevate customer experiences, improve data accuracy, and optimize costs,” said MAP president Alfredo Panlilio.
However, Panlilio stressed the importance of ethical deployment. “AI adoption must be guided by responsible practices. CEOs have a critical duty to uphold privacy, security, and inclusivity while balancing innovation with governance,” he said.
With silent disruptions reshaping business fundamentals, organizations are reimagining their business models to remain agile and relevant. Nearly 45 percent of CEOs reported shorter strategic planning cycles, while 64 percent rely on diverse executive perspectives, and 62 percent regularly seek external input to validate business assumptions.
“Business model reinvention is no longer optional—it’s a survival imperative,” the report concluded, emphasizing the shift toward adaptive, collaborative, and forward-looking corporate governance.
The CEO Survey 2025 was conducted from 22 July to 25 August, amid global economic uncertainty and accelerating technological change, reflecting how Philippine business leaders are positioning themselves for growth—while actively managing transformation and risk.
