Central Visayas posts highest inflation in PH again

Local

EVEN if it has slightly eased, Central Visayas continues to grapple with the inflation in the Philippines, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

While headline inflation in the region eased to 10.0 percent in June 2026 from 10.8 percent in May, it remains significantly higher than the national average of 6.4 percent.

The region—which encompasses Bohol, Cebu, and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-lapu, and Mandaue—is the only administrative area in the country to maintain double-digit inflation figures for the month of June.

For comparison, the National Capital Region (NCR) saw a much lower inflation rate of 4.9 percent during the same period.

The slight deceleration in the region's headline rate was primarily driven by a significant slowdown in transport costs, which dropped from a staggering 21.9 percent in May to 16.8 percent in June.

Despite this drop, transport remains one of the most volatile sectors for local businesses and commuters alike.

The food and non-alcoholic beverages sector also showed signs of easing, moving from 15.2 percent to 14.2 percent.

However, specific food items continue to see astronomical price hikes. The most severe increases were recorded in vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses, which posted an inflation rate of 47.6 percent in June. While this was an improvement from May’s 54.0 percent, the cost remains a heavy burden for households.

While most commodity groups trended downward, the Restaurants and Accommodation Services sector saw a marginal increase, rising to 11.1 percent in June from 11.0 percent in May.

This indicates sustained demand or rising operational costs within the region’s vital tourism and service industries.

Conversely, some sectors provided a much-needed anchor of stability.

Financial Services reported 0.0 percent inflation, while Information and Communication remained low and steady at *1.1 percent. The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels sector also held firm at 4.9 percent for both May and June.

Interestingly, Sugar, Confectionery, and Desserts remained in deflationary territory, with prices actually falling by 4.7 percent year-on-year in June.

Economists monitoring the region note that while the downward trend from May to June is a positive signal, Central Visayas remains an outlier in the national economic landscape, and high inflation would likely remain throughout the year.(RBE)