Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan affirmed on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that the Philippine economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of governance challenges and global economic uncertainties.
Strong Economic Fundamentals Anchor Growth
Despite growth moderating to four percent in the third quarter, the year-to-date average remains at a solid five percent. Balisacan emphasized that the economy's overall trajectory remains firm, with international institutions projecting an average growth rate of 5.7 percent for 2026.
The economic chief highlighted several key strengths supporting the country's economic resilience:
- Sustained economic growth
- Easing inflation pressures
- A healthy and dynamic labor market
- Manageable fiscal deficit and public debt levels
- Broadly stable currency exchange rates
- A robust banking system
Structural Reforms and Development Agenda
Balisacan pointed to the country's structural advantages, including a young labor force, steady investment inflows, and ongoing productivity gains, which collectively support a potential growth rate of at least six percent annually. The government maintains its commitment to the medium-term targets outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The economic team continues to implement comprehensive measures across multiple fronts:
- Fiscal policy adjustments
- Monetary policy coordination
- Financial sector enhancements
- Technological innovation support
- Social protection programs
Legislative Reforms and Future-Proofing Initiatives
Recent legislative achievements have strengthened the economic framework, including the passage of several key reform laws designed to boost competitiveness and expand market access. Notable among these are:
The Public-Private Partnership Code aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, while the Konektadong Pinoy Act focuses on improving digital connectivity. The Create More legislation enhances the business environment, and the Arrow Act supports regulatory efficiency.
The government is advancing additional structural reforms through the 20th Congress' Common Legislative Agenda while simultaneously scaling up investments in human capital development. This includes enhanced funding for education, healthcare, skills training, and social protection programs.
Balisacan's department is prioritizing improvements in planning, budgeting, and project evaluation processes to ensure that public funds are allocated to programs delivering the greatest economic and social impact. These measures collectively aim to future-proof the Philippine economy against environmental, technological, and geopolitical risks while maintaining alignment with the country's growth potential.
