The Philippines’ tourism sector posted a more nuanced performance in 2025: employment continued to rise, but its overall economic footprint softened, pointing to a recovery that is steady in participation but uneven in value generation.
The Philippine economy is entering 2026 on uneven footing, with growth expected to slow slightly and risks looming large, economist Jonathan Ravelas said on Wednesday.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., struck a cautiously optimistic tone on the Philippines’ economic outlook, projecting a rebound as near-term risks begin to ease and structural strengths remain intact.
The Philippines faces a markedly weaker growth trajectory after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 expansion forecast to 4.1 percent, citing intensifying global shocks and a softer domestic backdrop.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the looming effects of El Niño are emerging as twin headwinds to Philippine growth, with remittances and inflation pressures forming a potentially volatile mix.
Contributions from newly added terminals and stronger trade activity across Asia and the Americas lifted International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s net income by 20 percent to USD898.89 million in the first nine months of 2026, as higher operating income offset rising costs.
Shell Pilipinas Corporation narrowed its net loss to P929 million in the first nine months of 2026 from P2.7 billion at the end of the first half, as it returned to positive core earnings in the third quarter.
Damage to Philippine agriculture from the ongoing El Niño weather anomaly has climbed to P9.99 billion as of November 11, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), rising more than 16 percent from the P8.57 billion reported just three weeks ago. This growing toll underscores serious risks to farm output, farmer livelihoods, and national food security at a time when authorities warn the dry spell could worsen into next year.
Tuna processor and exporter Alliance Select Foods International Inc. swung to a consolidated net loss of USD11.37 million in the first nine months of 2026 from a USD2.36-million profit a year earlier, as lower fish supplies, elevated raw material costs, and earthquake-related damage weighed on operations.