ADB trims 2026 Phl growth outlook to 4.4%

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines for this year, amid uncertainties from the Middle East conflict.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

In its Asian Development Outlook April 2026 report, the ADB said it expects Philippine GDP growth to be at 4.4 percent this year, slower than the 5.3 percent forecast provided in December last year.

The ADB said there is also uncertainty on its loan program for the Philippines as the government reviews its borrowing priorities.

ADB Philippines senior economic officer Teresa Mendoza said in a press conference that the 4.4 percent growth forecast assumes a short-lived Middle East conflict that will last for two months or until this month.

If ADB's forecast is realized, this year's GDP growth would be the same as last year's, but below the government's five to six percent growth target for the year.

For next year, the ADB forecasts 5.5 percent GDP growth, at the lower end of the government's 5.5 to 6.5 percent growth goal.

ADB expects growth to be driven by domestic demand and investment supported by the lagged effects of previous policy rate cuts.