Philippines

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projected Oct 2026 inflation at 7.1-8.1% YoY, with upward pressure from higher domestic fuel, electricity and transport fares, partly offset by lower rice, vegetable, meat and fish prices. At the upper end of the range it would be the fastest pace since Feb 2023, when inflation reached 8.6%. Inflation was 7.2% YoY in Sep 2026, matching the 2026 peak in Apr 2026, and the BSP Deputy Governor stated on 22 Oct 2026 that it could keep rising in Q4 2026 and into early 2027

Gasoline prices in the Philippines were expected to rise by 2.90-3.20 PHP/l and diesel prices to fall by 0.40-0.60 PHP/l in the first week of Nov 2026, the Jetti Petroleum President stated. He said crude oil prices continued to be supported by concerns about energy supply disruptions in the Middle East as regional attacks continue, whilst hopes for diplomatic progress limited further rises

More than 30,000 passengers passed through Philippine ports on the morning of 31 Oct 2026 for Undas, comprising 18,717 outbound and 17,491 inbound passengers as of 7:45am, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). PCG had logged more than 100,000 passengers at ports between noon and 6pm on 30 Oct 2026 and over 60,000 more between 6pm and midnight. The Philippine Ports Authority expects 1.93 million passengers to travel by sea over the long weekend, from 1.90 million recorded in 2025

The government will improve infrastructure and air and sea connectivity to make more food destinations accessible, and will support culinary education for aspiring chefs and hospitality workers, the President stated at the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs | Cebu 2027 ceremony on 29 Oct 2026

Boracay, Cebu, Manila, Iloilo and Tacloban led domestic hotel bookings on AirAsia MOVE for Undas 2026. The top domestic flights were to Manila, Boracay, Tacloban, Cebu and Iloilo. Domestic destinations accounted for 83% of flight bookings, down from 86% in 2025, and 62% of hotel bookings, down from 82%

The 2026 La Union Surfing Break opened in Agoo for the first time on 25 Oct 2026 at Agoo Eco Park, spreading the festival across 3 municipalities alongside the established surf sites of San Juan and Bacnotan. The La Union Provincial Administrator stated that more municipalities may be included in 2027

Cebu province recorded 1,146,864 tourist arrivals in Jan-Sep 2026 (+8.6% YoY), including 250,550 foreign arrivals (+26.52% YoY) and 896,314 domestic arrivals (+4.45% YoY), according to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office. South Korea was the top foreign market with 60,918 arrivals, followed by the US (23,594) and Japan (22,597). Overall, the province recorded positive growth across 55 source markets, including South Korea, China, the UK, Australia, and Malaysia. The figures are partial, as several local governments have yet to report in full

The Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao has identified Initao, Misamis Oriental, as a potential new dive destination after an underwater survey reportedly found a marine species rare in the Philippines, which will be revealed at the 2nd Misamis Oriental Dive Festival, tentatively starting on 12 Nov 2026. The event will feature diving activities across Gingoog City, Medina, Talisayan, Laguindingan, Balingoan and Initao, subject to final approval. The organisers are looking to get support from the Provincial Board of Misamis Oriental to help organise the event and promote underwater attractions in the province

Local tax collections in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, have tripled to 16 million PHP in 2026 from 5 million PHP a decade ago, driven by ecotourism along the Bukidnon-Davao highway, according to the Municipal Planning and Development Office. At least 33 private mountain resorts and businesses have opened in the past 5 years across the highland villages of Sinuda, Lorega, Tawas, and Kipilas

The peso closed at a record low of 64.17 PHP to the US dollar on 27 Oct 2026, weaker than the previous record of 63.95 PHP on 26 Oct 2026, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines

ASEAN could take several years to be ready for another major energy supply disruption, the Philippine Energy Secretary stated. The Philippines has begun building its first government fuel stockpiling facility, and she hoped an enhanced MoU on the ASEAN power grid would be finalised at the ASEAN Summit in Manila in Nov 2026

The Department of Tourism in Mimaropa urged tourism establishments in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan to conserve water and protect guests and staff from extreme heat during El Niño, including rescheduling or suspending outdoor activities when heat levels become unsafe

SM Prime Holdings has bought almost all the beachfront properties on Puerto Princesa's west coast, from Barangay Napsan to Simpocan, to develop a tourism attraction, the Puerto Princesa Mayor stated. The city is also developing the 500ha Santa Lucia Environmental Estate with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority under a 200 billion PHP masterplan, which allocates 7.14ha to 10 hotel sites. The Santa Lucia development masterplan includes nine districts covering hospitality, tourism dwellings, commercial activities, eco-producing, agri-producing, open spaces, environmental protection, and support infrastructure

Cebu hosted the 3-day 2026 World's Best Island Travel and Trade Expo at Ayala Centre Cebu, focused on inter-island connections, market expansion, encouraging sustainable development and investment in Philippine island destinations

The President ordered tighter security at transport terminals and emergency assistance for stranded passengers over Undas, including more police and K-9 units at major hubs and additional vehicles and vessels where regular services cannot meet demand. The Philippine Coast Guard expects 1.5-2 million sea passengers during its 29 Oct-3 Nov 2026 operation

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is training frontline staff for the 49th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Centre on 16-18 Nov 2026, which some 20 heads of state are expected to attend. It will run the airport welcome receptions, the gala dinner and special tours for ministers and senior officials, whilst the Philippine Tour Operators Association will staff ASEAN tour desks at delegates' hotels. The DOT will offer a trip to Intramuros and a tour to the Museo del Galeon, as well as a “hospitality offering” for 3,000 delegates, which will also be held at the World Trade Centre, with products such as wellness packages, regional cuisines, local beverages, and a hub for gifts and souvenirs made by local MSMEs

Bohol will resume whale shark watching in Nov 2026, more than a year after it was suspended in Feb 2025, with feeding whale sharks still banned, the Bohol Governor stated. This is part of efforts to boost the tourism sector in Bohol. He acknowledged that tourist arrivals in Bohol have declined in 2026

Diesel prices are expected to rise by 2.00-2.50 PHP/l and gasoline prices to fall by 1.00-1.50 PHP/l next week, as Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and on vessels in the Gulf raised concerns over supply, the Jetti Petroleum President stated

Most of the Philippines is forecast to receive below-normal rainfall until at least May 2027 as the very strong El Niño enters a drier phase of suppressed rainfall and extreme heat, with western Luzon, Mimaropa, Panay, parts of the Visayas and Mindanao most exposed to prolonged dry spells, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 19 Oct 2026, 9 provinces were under meteorological drought, including Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Eastern Samar, Siquijor and Misamis Oriental, with 30 provinces under dry-spell conditions. Parts of Siquijor and Camarines Norte are experiencing water scarcity, and water regulators have reduced allocations from Angat Dam, which supplies Metro Manila

The Philippines was named Asia's leading dive destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards for the 8th year running, and the Tourism Secretary stated that the Department of Tourism will improve access and logistics to dive sites and strengthen promotions in 2027

Filipinos are now eligible for the Frequent Traveller stream of Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600), one of 11 eligible nationalities alongside China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, according to Australia's Department of Home Affairs. The visa can be granted for up to 10 years with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit and a maximum of 12 months in any 2 years, for tourism, cruises, visiting family and friends, and business visitor activities. Holders may not work, but may study or undergo training for no more than three months. The visa is issued electronically and linked to the passport

Laoag City in Ilocos Norte launched its Love Lock Bridge in Barangay La Paz on 20 Oct 2026, a 1.8 million PHP attraction with solar-powered lighting. The bridge has been inspected for structural safety by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The facility will be handed over to barangay officials for maintenance

Ormoc City in Leyte is developing a sports complex to establish itself as a regional training hub and sports tourism destination, with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Facilities include a modern pentathlon training facility, boxing, fencing, karate and martial arts gyms, a BMX track, a skateboarding park, a track oval, an obstacle course, a wall climbing facility, rowing at Lake Danao, and a new dormitory for at least 120 athletes. The PSC Chairman addressed 1,500 delegates of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines at the city's 79th Charter Day celebrations

The Philippines recorded about 4.7 million visitor arrivals from 1 Jan-12 Oct 2026 (+3.43% YoY), including 400,376 overseas Filipinos, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The DOT Secretary said the Philippines is on track to reach last year’s 6.4 million arrivals. The top source markets are: The US with 915,635 arrivals, +6.4% YoY South Korea 824,142, -18.3% YoY Japan 405,952, +1.3% YoY China 371,138, +70.2% YoY Australia 270,440, +8.5% YoY Canada 259,380, +12.4% YoY Taiwan 175,879, +7.5% YoY The UK 147,257, +0.35% YoY Singapore 146,422, -2.9% YoY India 89,655, +27.2% YoY Malaysia 82,615, +6.9% YoY Hong Kong 75,981, +0.95% YoY

The Cebu Governor will lead a provincial delegation to the 27th Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum on Jeju Island on 28-30 Oct 2026 to promote Cebu as a tourism, education and investment destination and to regain the South Korean market, as Cebu's tourist arrivals have risen by 12.7%

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expanded its Discover More to Love initiative into a digital platform listing promotions from hotels, airlines, tour operators and attractions, which travellers can browse by destination, category, discount or price before booking. Offers from DOT-accredited enterprises are uploaded to the platform and may benefit from overseas promotion through the DOT's 12 foreign offices and 5 market representatives

The Visayas power grid was placed on red alert on 20 Oct 2026 because of power plant outages, bringing the total for Jan-Oct 2026 to 45 red alerts and 121 yellow alerts, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

The peso closed at a new record low of 63.09 PHP to the US dollar on 19 Oct 2026, weaker than 62.985 PHP on 16 Oct 2026, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines

The Department of Transportation has a series of rail, airport and road projects due to open in 2027 and 2028. Although budget constraints and long gestation periods continue to slow delivery, the Acting Transportation Secretary stated: Metro Rail Transit Line 7: the first 12 stations, from North Avenue to Sacred Heart, are due to open by Q2 2027, cutting travel time between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, from 3 hours to 35 minutes North-South Commuter Railway: the 873.6 billion PHP, 147km line will begin partial operations between Valenzuela and Malolos in Dec 2027, with the Malolos-Clark segment following in 2028 Metro Manila Subway: a train demonstration run is due in 2028 and full operations in 2032 Common Station linking Light Rail Transit Line 1, MRT 3 and MRT 7 in Quezon City: 76% complete as of Jul 2026 MRT 3 rehabilitation: 90.62% complete as of Sep 2026, with the Quezon Avenue station, the pilot of the station rehabilitation programme, finished on 8 Sep 2026 LRT 1 Cavite Extension: the land needed for the Las Piñas station has been secured, clearing the way for faster completion Mindanao Railway Phase 1: no financing yet, with work focused on right-of-way acquisition Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway: the feasibility study for the 212km cargo-only line is expected between late 2027 and early 2028 Bukidnon Airport: the passenger terminal is targeted for Dec 2026 and the full 2,100m runway for Q2 2027 Caticlan Airport: San Miguel Corporation has committed to complete the 36,000 sq m passenger terminal for Boracay by Q2 2027 Siargao Airport: the expanded modular terminal, raising pre-departure capacity from 200 to 750 passengers, is due for completion in Oct 2026 Bicol International Airport: funding has been secured to relocate National Grid Corporation of the Philippines transmission lines near the runway, the only obstacle to regional airport operations there South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (Santo Tomas, Batangas-Lucena, Quezon): targeted for Dec 2026, but may slip to Q1 2027 EDSA Busway: 3 new stations are 99% complete and due in Oct 2026, and funding is being sought in the 2027 budget to replicate the busway on other Metro Manila routes Antique Airport: procured around 2017-2018 and inaugurated in 2026, with the runway extended from 1,430m to 1,800m and passenger capacity raised from 64 to 360

All food served at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, which the Philippines hosts in Nov 2026, will be Halal, the Acting Tourism Secretary stated, adding that the country should move to a single Halal certifying body from the current 5. As os Jul 2026, there are 70 Halal- or Muslim-friendly establishments in the Philippines, 4 times increase vs a decade ago, when the government launched the Philippine Halal Tourism Project. The Philippines ranked 5th amongst destinations outside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, up from 8th in 2025, and recorded 202,995 visitor arrivals from OIC countries in 2025 (+1.24% YoY), more than half of them (104,989) from Malaysia, and there was a 112.6% YoY increase from Bangladesh to 10,369 arrivals

The Department of Tourism generated an estimated 772.8 million PHP in sales leads from 2 promotions in Paris, including 526.9 million PHP at IFTM Top Resa on 15-17 Sep 2026 and 245.9 million PHP at the Philippine Culinary Showcase on 14-16 Sep 2026. The Philippines recorded 65,002 arrivals from France as of 17 Oct 2026

The Philippines will host the FIBA Women's Asia Cup for the first time in Cebu City in Jul 2027 at the new SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the World Wushu Championships in Manila in 2027, and the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games and additional international tennis tournaments

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Ilocos Norte provincial government will rehabilitate the Paoay Golf Course as a public-access recreational destination, keeping 9 holes of its original 18-hole layout, converting Maharlika Hall into a clubhouse, and adding a driving range and a mini golf facility

The Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange expects 1.9 million passengers to travel to the provinces through the terminal over the period on 25 Oct-4 Nov 2026, for All Saints’ Day (1 Nov 2026), down from 2.1 million in 2025, with demand peaking at about 200,000 passengers on 30 Oct 2026. The terminal expects some travel to shift to the 5-day long weekend from 14 Nov 2026, after 16-18 Nov 2026 were declared special non-working days in Metro Manila for the 49th ASEAN Summit. The President also declared 31 Oct 2026 a special non-working holiday

Central Visayas had 3,500 Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tourism establishments as of 30 Sep 2026 (+24.8% YoY), including 263 water transport operators with 560 motorised boats, as accreditation processing fees remain waived, according to the DOT Central Visayas Regional Director

Koko Global Hospitality (KGH) and Cebu Grand Meadows Realty opened the 48-room oneTree Plaza Hotel Cebu in Banawa, Cebu City. Cebu has 18 hotels with 3,827 rooms in the pipeline to 2032, according to the Philippine Hotel Owners Association

Gasoline prices were expected to fall by 4.00-4.20 PHP/l and diesel prices to rise by 0.20-0.40 PHP/l in the week of 19 Oct 2026, according to an industry source

The Philippines will host the first Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games on 2-14 Dec 2027 in Manila, Pasig, Tagaytay and Subic, and the Asian Beach Games in Cebu in Mar 2028, the Philippine Olympic Committee President stated. The committee is also bidding to host the 2030 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, against Mongolia, and is planning a bid for the 2039 Asian Games, according to the Senate Committee on Sports Chairman

The peso closed at a record low of 63.06 PHP to the US dollar on 15 Oct 2026, weaker than 62.87 PHP on 14 Oct 2026 and the first close beyond 63 PHP, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines. Analysts expect the peso to remain volatile

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has allocated 59.8 million PHP for tourism infrastructure projects in Ilagan City, Isabela, including 49.5 million PHP for the Sta. Victoria Sanctuary and 13 million PHP for a tourist facility at Abuan River Adventure Park, under an agreement signed on 13 Oct 2026. TIEZA allocated 2 million PHP for scholarships, hospital bills and other programmes

Lapu-Lapu City declared Megaworld's 30ha The Mactan Newtown township its “Tourism, Culture and Investment Capital” under an executive order, with Megaworld and the city government to develop joint programmes promoting tourism, culture and investment

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is seeking foreign investment in health and wellness tourism, naming Cebu, Davao and Iloilo as potential regional healthcare and wellness hubs, with investment possible through the tourism enterprise zones of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Tourism Secretary stated. As of Sep 2026, DOT has accredited 13 hospitals, 6 of them accredited by Joint Commission International, alongside 21 ambulatory clinics, 10 dental clinics and 63 spas

Golden TW Realty and Development Corp. opened the 88-room Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay at Station 0 on 11 Oct 2026, the first phase of a planned 23ha mixed-use development, with about $53 million USD invested. A 1ha shopping complex, Boracay Central, is scheduled to open in Q1 2027, and a jetty is proposed to shorten transfers from Caticlan. The proposed expansion could include 100 accommodation units, including luxury villas and residences, but the developer is yet to announce a final hotel partner

Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan, a 129-room hotel in Penablanca near Tuguegarao, has opened as the first internationally branded hotel in the Cagayan Valley, according to BWH Hotels. It has a ballroom seating up to 700 people and 12 further function spaces

The Migrant Workers Secretary stated that there is no immediate need for a deployment ban on Filipino workers bound for Saudi Arabia, but advised Filipinos to avoid unnecessary travel to the kingdom after the strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are assisting 94 overseas Filipino workers whose Riyadh-bound flights were diverted to Jeddah, and 30 Filipinos were reported stranded in Riyadh after the airport's temporary closure

The 18th North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo will run on 23-25 Oct 2026 at SM City Clark in Pampanga, organised by the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon and the Philippine Exhibitions and Trade Corporation, under a digital transformation theme. Exhibitors include Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Palawan, Laguna and Camiguin, alongside the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Clark Development Corporation, the Department of Tourism’s regional offices in CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, with Philippine Airlines as official airline partner

Ilocos Sur and the Philippine Statistics Authority opened a statistical exhibit with provincial tourism, agriculture and other datasets at the Provincial Livelihood Development Centre, open until 31 Oct 2026, as part of a National Statistics Month themed around sustainable tourism

Malaybalay City in Bukidnon opened its month-long City Tourism Week 2026 on 12 Oct 2026, built around its SAKA tourism framework of sports, agri-ecotourism, kultura (culture) and adventure, with a soil painting exhibition by local artists at City Hall. The city tourism office is working with Bukidnon State University to implement the City Tourism Code, to integrate cultural initiatives into long-term municipal policy. Through this partnership, they aim to build a sustainable, community-backed framework for ecotourism, local enterprise support, and heritage conservation

The Tourism Secretary expects the Philippines to reach its target of 6.4 million international arrivals in 2026 despite higher fuel prices and airfares, citing travel demand in Q4 2026. China was the 4th largest source market in Jan-Aug 2026, with 303,567 visitors and a 6.9% share

Metro Cebu's air quality index peaked at 180 at 4pm on 11 Oct 2026 and stood at 156 at 7am on 12 Oct 2026, in the "very unhealthy" range, according to the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas. Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue cities suspended in-person classes at all levels on 12 Oct 2026

Gasoline prices rose by 1.56 PHP/l and kerosene by 1.77 PHP/l, whilst diesel fell by at least 3.01 PHP/l, from 13 Oct 2026, the Energy Secretary stated

The Asian Development Bank stated that its $500 million USD standby loan facility is available to the Philippines if the government declares a state of emergency over El Niño. 106 areas have declared a state of calamity, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

The Capiz Archbishop and the Romblon Bishop issued a joint statement on 8 Oct 2026 opposing casino operations on Boracay, joining the Kalibo Bishop and the Diocese of Kalibo, which has opposed gambling on the island for more than 2 decades. The statements followed the opening of a hotel-casino at Station 0 in Barangay Yapak in Malay. The bishops cited social harms they said may accompany gambling, including crime and illegal drug abuse, and argued that tourism development should not pursue revenue without considering human and social costs

The Bohol Governor stated that the province's Tourism Recovery Plan focuses on air connectivity, new markets and affordability, including a Bohol Fair Value Tourism Programme to promote reasonable prices. A second charter flight from Japan is expected in Dec 2026, and Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are adding wide-body Manila-Bohol services from Oct 2026. Whale shark watching is scheduled to reopen in Nov 2026, with feeding prohibited. Accommodation has grown by about 30% to more than 13,000 rooms across about 1,000 establishments

Bohol's provincial government and tourism stakeholders adopted Visit Bohol 2027 as the province's main campaign at a marketing workshop on 7 Oct 2026, with Step Into Wonder as a secondary campaign. The workshop focused on three priorities: Product, Promotions, and Public Perception, Reputation and PR (Public Relations). South Korea and China were named core markets, Japan and Taiwan growth markets, Europe a long-stay market, Australia and New Zealand emerging markets and North America a balikbayan market. The provincial government has pledged funding for the campaign and for possible charter incentives, which await approval. Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Trip.com are offering 500 PHP off domestic flights and 1,000 PHP off international flights to and from the airport from 1 Oct 2026

Malaysia's inflation was 1.9% in Aug 2026, below Thailand (2.5%), Indonesia (3.2%), Vietnam (4.9%) and the Philippines (6.1%), according to the World Bank. It expects headline inflation of 2% in 2026, but warned that producer price inflation of almost 11% in Aug 2026 could become a risk later in the year

The peso closed at a record low of 62.90 PHP to the US dollar on 8 Oct 2026, from 62.75 PHP on 7 Oct 2026, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines. Gross international reserves fell to $99.997 billion USD, the lowest since Sep 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist expects the peso to remain volatile and biased towards weakness

Metro Cebu's air quality index reached 165, in the “very unhealthy” range, at 7am on 9 Oct 2026, up from 140-146 on 5 Oct 2026, according to the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas. The bureau attributed it to local vehicle and industrial emissions and weather conditions that trap pollutants, not haze from Indonesian fires

Citizens of 46 African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, alongside travellers from the US, UK, Canada and Japan, provided they hold a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket. China and India fall under separate visa-free rules with shorter stays. Visa-free stays can be extended by 29 days, to 59 days in total

The House Committee on Tourism approved 7 bills declaring sites in Romblon as tourism destinations, tourism development areas, or ecotourism and heritage sites. They cover Concepcion, Banton, Romblon town and Calatrava, and the Blue Hole Underwater Park, the Cotta ruins and Gorda Point Lighthouse in San Agustin. The bills are also included proposals related to tourism capitals, tourist protection, and safety

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Cordillera expects heat in late 2026 and H1 2027 to drive more visitors to Baguio, the Philippines’ coolest mountain city. The city is promoting destinations beyond Baguio, in La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay and Atok, to ease traffic and protect Baguio's water supply, according to the DOT Cordillera Regional Director

Visa applications from the Philippines rose +20% YoY in Jan-Aug 2026, according to VFS Global, with non-Schengen applications +28% YoY, led by Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UK, whilst Schengen demand was stable. Its Visa At Your Doorstep service grew 58%

Inflation rose to 7.2% YoY in Sep 2026 from 6.1% in Aug 2026, the highest since Mar 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. 11 of 13 commodity groups recorded faster inflation, including restaurants and accommodation. Transport inflation reached 14.6%. Core inflation rose to 4.7%, the highest since Oct 2023

The Energy Secretary stated that El Niño could raise electricity rates and cause more power outages, as heat affects hydro, coal and solar output, and urged the public to cut demand by 10-20%. A state of calamity has been declared in 106 cities and municipalities over El Niño, mostly in Cagayan, Caraga and Bicol, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. A total of 388,375 individuals or 104,149 families have been affected so far

The Philippine President made a working visit to Singapore on 7-11 Oct 2026 at the invitation of the Singapore Prime Minister. He was due to attend the Singapore Grand Prix, a Forbes Global CEO Conference dialogue, a visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, and discuss coordination ahead of Singapore's 2027 ASEAN chairmanship

Malaysia's inflation was 1.9% in Aug 2026, below Thailand (2.5%), Indonesia (3.2%), Vietnam (4.9%) and the Philippines (6.1%), according to the World Bank. It expects headline inflation of 2% in 2026, but warned that producer price inflation of almost 11% in Aug 2026 could become a risk later in the year

Camiguin projects annual arrivals to more than double to 824,000 from 2028, from 397,818 in 2025, and is targeting foreign visitors at 15% of arrivals, up from 6%, under its Tourism Action Plan 2025-2028, according to the Camiguin Governor. He added the plan is based on “more value, less pressure, stronger stewardship” principles. The airport runway is being expanded, and the province has 170 tourism establishments with 1,312 rooms

The DOT and the Ambaguio local government unit (LGU) are developing a Skyport paragliding facility in Nueva Vizcaya, to be implemented through TIEZA, funded by the 20 million PHP won from the DOT's Tourism Champions Challenge and an additional 5 million PHP from the Office of the President, according to the DOT Region 2 Regional Director. The province is also rehabilitating Bagabag Airport and identifying potential sites for activities like kayaking and tubing on the Matuno River, off-road motorcycle riding, downhill biking, trekking, and other outdoor sports. The province is also promoting its Indigenous Peoples’ cultural practices and traditions through festivals across its 15 municipalities and the annual Ammungan Festival

Cebu province recorded 1,080,809 tourist arrivals in Jan-Aug 2026 (+12.78% YoY), including 242,108 foreign arrivals (+27.28% YoY) and 838,575 domestic arrivals (+9.19% YoY), according to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office. South Korea was the top foreign market (60,518), followed by the US (22,866) and Japan (22,223). Cordova (171,552), Santa Fe (120,197) and Daanbantayan (59,435) were the top destinations

All provinces in the Philippines are expected to experience drought by the end of Mar 2027 because of El Niño, the Science and Technology Secretary stated

Oil firms raised gasoline prices by 1.90-1.93 PHP/l and kerosene by 3.30 PHP/l, and cut diesel by 1.30 PHP/l, from 6am on 6 Oct 2026

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has proposed a 5.47 billion PHP budget for 2027, including 1 billion PHP for its global branding campaign and 1.37 billion PHP for the Tourism Promotions Board, according to the Tourism Secretary. She added that the DOT will allocate its marketing resources to Japan and South Korea to revive visitor arrivals. The DOT is also developing visa-free entry for Chinese travellers through Kalibo, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Clark, Puerto Princesa and Davao with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and working to strengthen air connectivity

The Central Visayas Regional Development Council asked the Office of the President to declare a State of Power Emergency in the region because of recurring rotational brownouts affecting the Visayas Grid

The House Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee approved restoring a 15.2 million PHP allocation for the DOT's Dive Destination Development, Promotion and Sustainability programme in the 2027 budget, after it received no allocation in the National Expenditure Program