Central Visayas' micro-retail sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, staging a powerful recovery in the aftermath of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, 2025. According to comprehensive data from Packworks, sales and transaction activity rebounded sharply in the months following the seismic event, underscoring the sector's vital role in regional economic stability.
Sales Surge and Transaction Growth
The gross merchandise value (GMV) across the region's extensive sari-sari store network experienced a significant uptick, rising by seven percent from nearly P131 million in September to approximately P140 million in October. This growth accelerated impressively, reaching P158 million by December. This upward trajectory highlights the micro-retail sector's ability to withstand and recover from major disruptions, providing a crucial economic lifeline for local communities.
National Trends and Provincial Leadership
The recovery observed in Central Visayas is part of a broader national pattern where provincial economies are increasingly emerging as key drivers of growth within the country's micro-retail landscape. These regions are now outpacing traditional urban centers, signaling a shift in economic dynamics. Packworks, which analyzed over one million monthly transactions throughout the year via its platform, reported that 213,051 stores actively transacted in 2025. This figure represents a substantial 21 percent increase from 176,000 in 2024 and 133,000 in 2023, with the network now spanning more than 300,000 stores nationwide.
Hubert Yap, co-founder of Packworks, emphasized the growing importance of provincial store owners, stating, "As store owners in the provinces gain access to more resources, they are proving to be the economic backbone of their communities." He further added, "The surge in the regions shows that sari-sari stores are not just local fixtures, but are evolving businesses capable of driving regional economic momentum."
Regional Highlights and Contrasts
Beyond Central Visayas, other regions also showcased strong performance. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) led with double-digit gains across various metrics, including app usage, GMV, and transactions. This growth accelerated in the second half of 2025, bolstered by improved connectivity. Similarly, the Negros Island Region posted robust increases in store count, app usage, sales, and transactions.
In contrast, the National Capital Region focused on efficiency, with fewer active stores but higher levels of app usage, GMV, and transactions. Resilience was also evident in Central Luzon, where GMV rose by 15 percent despite the impact of Typhoon Paolo, peaking in December.
Persistent Digital Challenges
Despite these positive trends, digital gaps remain a concern. The Caraga Region, for instance, recorded a higher store count but lower app usage, indicating limited internet access that hampers full digital integration. This disparity underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance connectivity and support technological adoption in underserved areas.
