ADB: PH GDP outlook 'resilient' amid global risks

The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its Philippine growth forecast at 5.6 percent for 2025, unchanged from its projection in July.

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In its latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report released Tuesday, Sept. 30, the ADB's 2026 growth projection for its host country was revised slightly lower to 5.7 percent from 5.8 percent previously. Despite this adjustment, the Philippines is expected to remain one of Southeast Asia's top performers this year and next year, posting the region's second-fastest growth after Vietnam's 6.7 percent and six percent, respectively.

While the lender's growth expectation for this year is within the government's target range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent, it is lower than last year's 5.7-percent expansion. First half gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 5.45 percent.

For next year, the government targets a faster sixto seven-percent GDP expansion, above the ADB's forecast.

"The Philippines' growth outlook remains resilient amid a global environment of shifting trade and investment policies and heightened geopolitical uncertainties," ADB country director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries said in a statement.