THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a slowdown in the country’s inflation rate for November 2025, driven by a more moderate increase in food costs.
The overall inflation rate clocked in at 1.5%, lower than the 1.7% recorded in October 2025, bringing the year-to-date national average to 1.6%, comfortably within the government’s target range of 2% to 4%.
The PSA attributed the slower inflation to a reduced increase in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which saw an inflation rate of only 0.1%. Food inflation, specifically, registered a negative rate of 0.3%, driven by slower growth in vegetable and meat prices.
In response to the positive development, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the government’s “intensified efforts to ensure price stability through programs strengthening food supply chains and reinforcing food security.”
These measures include expanding the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program to provide affordable rice to vulnerable households, strengthening safeguards against African Swine Fever (ASF) while facilitating safe pork imports, and automating the registration of qualified 4Ps beneficiaries for the Lifeline Rate Subsidy to help with rising electricity prices.
The government is also looking at long-term solutions such as the proposed Waste-to-Energy Bill to manage waste and contribute to the country’s energy mix.
Balisacan emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and strengthening economic resilience, stating that they will continue to implement “timely, well-coordinated policies to keep prices stable and ensure progress is felt by every Filipino.”
metrosundaily
