Philippine Manufacturing Soars to 10-Month High in May

The Philippine manufacturing sector grew 4.9 percent year-on-year in May 2025, its fastest pace in 10 months, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries showed that the volume of production index continued to climb, following a 4.3 percent increase in April.

DTI Secretary and Board of Investments Chair Cristina A. Roque credited the sustained growth to rising investor confidence and strong demand from both domestic and international markets.

“The surge in manufacturing output in the Philippines shows how we are taking advantage of opportunities to serve growing markets and, importantly, to provide jobs and income for our people,” Roque said.

The manufacturing expansion was largely driven by a 15.7 percent rise in food production, up from 11.2 percent in April, and a 13.5 percent surge in transport equipment manufacturing, nearly double the 7.4 percent growth in the previous month.

This industrial rebound reflects a broader economic upswing, with S&P Global reporting that the Philippines’ Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.7 in June from 50.1 in May, indicating improved operating conditions.

Roque said this momentum is translating into real investments, with the BOI approving PHP15.02 billion worth of manufacturing projects in the first half of 2025.

These projects are expected to generate more than 5,000 new jobs across the country.

“This positive outlook on the manufacturing sector is a catalyst for the country’s economic growth and more job opportunities for Filipinos. When factories produce more, they need to hire more workers,” Roque added.