Inflation across Cebu province and its three highly urbanized cities slowed in June 2026, driven by easing price increases for food and transport, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 7.
In an online briefing on July 10, 2026, Felixberto Sato Jr., chief statistical specialist and officer-in-charge of the Cebu Provincial Statistical Office, reported that inflation in the Province of Cebu eased to 12.4 percent in June from 13.6 percent in May. Cebu City saw a decline to 8.6 percent from 9.1 percent, Lapu-Lapu City to 8.8 percent from 9.7 percent, and Mandaue City to 9.1 percent from 9.7 percent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages drive deceleration
Sato attributed the deceleration primarily to slower price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages. This category accounted for nearly half of the decline in provincial inflation and more than half in Cebu City and Mandaue City. Food inflation in the province eased to 16.4 percent from 17.9 percent, while Cebu City slowed to 13.3 percent from 14.8 percent, Lapu-Lapu City to 15.3 percent from 16.1 percent, and Mandaue City to 14.6 percent from 16.1 percent.
Lower inflation for meat and vegetables contributed to the moderation. Additionally, slower transport inflation due to easing gasoline and diesel prices helped temper overall consumer price growth. Transport inflation in the Province of Cebu slowed to 17.5 percent from 24.3 percent, with similar declines recorded in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City.
Food remains top contributor despite slowdown
Despite the overall slowdown, food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest contributor to June inflation. Food inflation stayed elevated, with the Province of Cebu posting 17.5 percent from 19.1 percent in May. Among the bottom 30 percent of income households, inflation eased to 16.2 percent in the Province of Cebu from 18.1 percent. Slower inflation was also recorded in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City for this income group.
For low-income households, food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest contributor to inflation, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.
