MANILA – As the country’s inflation rate eased further to 1.4 percent in April 2025, down from 1.8 percent in March, the lowest since November 2019, the Marcos Administration reiterates its continued commitment to closely monitor commodity prices and implement measures to mitigate 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, well within the government’s target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent.
A key driver of the decline was food inflation, which dropped significantly to 0.7 percent in April 2025 from 2.3 percent in March. Notably, rice prices (-10.9% from -7.7%) continued their downward trend, marking the tenth consecutive month of month-on-month decline, attributed to lower local farmgate prices and reduced landed cost of imported rice.
“The sustained slowdown in inflation, driven largely by the significant decline in food prices, is a positive sign that our policy interventions are working. We will continue to implement strategies to vigilantly monitor price shocks and proactively temper inflationary pressures,” said DEPDev Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Group, Rosemarie G. Edillon.
Among the government’s ongoing efforts are initiatives by the Department of Agriculture (DA), including the close monitoring of agricultural production and market prices, particularly for high-value crops such as vegetables, which are vulnerable to the ongoing extreme summer heat and are primarily sourced from northern regions.
The DA has also reconstituted the Inter-Agency Livestock Data Analytics Group to support data-driven decision-making in the meat and poultry sectors. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) to expand the KADIWA ng Pangulo program nationwide by enabling PHLPost offices to host KADIWA stores.
“We must continue to push for decisive coordination to ensure price stability, especially for essential commodities. Our goal is not only to reduce inflation but to ensure that its benefits are felt by every Filipino household—through lower food costs and improved access to basic goods,” Edillon added.
She also highlighted the transition of the National Economic and Development Authority into the DEPDev, which strengthens the government’s capacity for strategic foresight and policy coherence.
“With the expanded mandate, DEPDev is now better positioned to unify and align the country’s socioeconomic goals. We are committed to developing forward-looking, strategic policies that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, generate quality jobs, manage inflation, and protect the purchasing power of Filipinos,” Edillon concluded.
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