The Philippine economy strengthened at the start of 2026, with quarter‑on‑quarter GDP growth edging up to 0.9% in the first quarter, compared with a 0.6% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest data, updated on 7 May 2026, indicate a modest improvement in economic momentum as the country moves further into the year.
On a quarter‑over‑quarter basis, the “actual” reading of 0.9% for Q1 2026 reflects a faster pace of expansion than the “previous” 0.6% quarter‑over‑quarter growth recorded in Q4 2025, which itself was measured against the third quarter of 2025. The step-up in growth suggests that economic activity is gradually firming, although the pace remains measured rather than rapid.
Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming data to see whether this firmer quarterly trend can be sustained in subsequent quarters, potentially signaling a more robust recovery trajectory for the Philippine economy in 2026.
