The country’s inflation rate eased further to 1.4 percent in April 2025, down from 1.8 percent in March, marking the lowest level since November 2019. In response, the Marcos administration reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor prices and implement targeted measures to ease inflationary pressures, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the average inflation rate from January to April 2025 stood at 2.0 percent, comfortably within the government’s target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent.
A major contributor to the slowdown was the sharp decline in food inflation, which fell to 0.7 percent in April from 2.3 percent in March. Rice prices in particular saw a steep drop, with inflation at -10.9 percent compared to -7.7 percent the previous month. This marks the tenth straight month of month-on-month price declines, driven by lower farmgate prices and reduced import costs.
“The sustained slowdown in inflation, driven largely by the decline in food prices, signals that our policy interventions are having a meaningful impact,” said DEPDev Undersecretary for Planning and Policy, Rosemarie G. Edillon. “We remain committed to monitoring potential price shocks and responding swiftly to cushion their effects.”
To further stabilize food prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to monitor agricultural production and market conditions, especially for high-value crops like vegetables, which remain vulnerable to extreme heat and supply constraints in the northern regions.
The DA has also revived the Inter-Agency Livestock Data Analytics Group to support evidence-based policymaking in the meat and poultry sectors. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was recently signed with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) to expand the KADIWA ng Pangulo program. The initiative will enable PHLPost offices to host KADIWA stores, improving nationwide access to affordable food.
“We must continue working in concert across agencies to maintain price stability, especially for essential goods,” Edillon emphasized. “Our objective goes beyond taming inflation—it’s about making its benefits tangible for every Filipino through lower food costs and better access to basic necessities.”
Edillon also highlighted the evolution of the National Economic and Development Authority into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), a transformation that strengthens the government’s capacity for long-term planning and policy alignment.
“With our expanded mandate, DEPDev is better equipped to lead the country’s socioeconomic agenda. We’re focused on promoting inclusive, sustainable growth, creating quality jobs, managing inflation, and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos,” she concluded.
