Inflation in Central Visayas eased further in Q1 2025, averaging 2.47 percent, lower than the 2.80 percent recorded in Q1 2024. This rate sits comfortably within the 2 to 4 percent target range for 2025 outlined in the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan (CVRDP) 2023–2028. Central Visayas reported a higher employment rate than the national average, with the region’s underemployment rate notably below the national level.
Total approved investments reached PHP 9.99 billion, marking a sharp increase of 851.6 percent compared to PHP 1.05 billion recorded in Q1 2024. This growth was driven primarily by a surge i n local investments, which jumped from PHP 286.34 million in Q1 2024 to PHP 9.65 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting an increase of 3,268.6 percent.
The trade deficit of Central Visayas expanded significantly by 31 percent, from USD 600.2 million to USD 786.5 million. The total foreign trade of Central Visayas in Q1 2025 reached USD 3.16 billion, slightly higher than the USD 3.11 billion recorded in Q1 2024. This reflects a 1.8 percent i ncrease in total trade value, indicating that despite the wider trade deficit, the region’s overall f oreign trade sector remained resilient.
26,954 businesses were registered in Q1 2025, marking a 1.96 percent increase compared to Q1 2024. Wholesale and retail trade businesses accounted for 54.26 percent of registrations, f ollowed by accommodation and food services (15.08 percent) and real estate activities (6.67 percent).
The IT-BPM sector in Central Visayas opened 2025 on a positive note. In the first quarter, the region benefited from sustained global demand for outsourced services and strategic regional expansions, particularly in Cebu and Bohol.
Central Visayas recorded significant agricultural gains in Q1 2025, with crop output rising 21.2 percent to 102,981 MT, fishery production up 10.1 percent to 14,879 MT, swine output growing 4.5 percent to 40,860 MT, and poultry production increasing 8.3 percent year-on-year.