'Asean economies remain resilient'

AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

- By KEISHA TA-ASAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to display resilience amid mounting global challenges, supported by firm domestic demand, sound policy frameworks and improving regional cooperation, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Asian Development Bank.

Speaking at a joint seminar on the ASEAN Economic Outlook hosted by the BSP and ADB, Monetary Board member Rosalia de Leon said the region remains a bright spot in the global economy even as it faces “the aftershocks of trade fragmentation, geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption.”

“Amidst these challenges, ASEAN stands out for its resilience and policy discipline,” De Leon said. “Responsive governance and regional cooperation remain critical in steering growth in uncertain times.”

She noted that the region's inflationary pressures are broadly contained, creating policy space for central banks to sustain growth.

The ADB projects regional inflation to average 2.5 percent this year and rise modestly to 2.7 percent in 2026, reflecting subdued global commodity prices and “carefully calibrated policy adjustments.”

In the Philippines, De Leon said the BSP expects inflation to stay within target over the next two years.