The Philippine economy is set to return to solid growth in 2027, supported by stronger services and industry activity plus timely government spending on key infrastructure, according to the Asian Development Bank’s latest outlook released today. Gross domestic product is projected to expand 3.3 percent this year before rising to 5.1 percent in 2027 — a slightly slower pace than previously estimated in July, as prolonged tensions in the Middle East and higher global commodity prices have weighed on investments and raised costs.
Economic growth across developing Asia and the Pacific will ease to 5 percent this year from 5.5 percent in 2025, then edge up to 5.1 percent in 2027, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported Wednesday. The 2026 forecast is a slight upgrade — 0.1 percentage points higher than the bank’s July outlook.
The Philippines’ breakthrough in free trade negotiations with the European Union could trigger fresh factory investments, technology transfers and export growth, business groups said, but warned that local firms must prepare for tougher competition and demanding EU standards.