Inflation in Central Visayas slowed for a second consecutive month in June 2026, yet the region continued to record the highest inflation rate in the country as food prices remained elevated, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Headline Inflation Drops to 10%
The PSA reported on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, that the region's headline inflation eased to 10 percent in June from 10.8 percent in May. Despite this deceleration, Central Visayas remained well above the national average of 6.4 percent and posted the fastest price growth among the country's 17 regions.
Food Prices Remain Key Driver
The moderation was largely driven by slower inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, which eased to 14.2 percent in June from 15.2 percent in May. However, food remained the biggest source of price pressure, with inflation nearly three times the national average of 5.2 percent.
Housing-related costs held steady, with inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels unchanged at 4.9 percent in June.
Faster Inflation in Other Commodities
Several commodity groups registered faster price increases during the month. Inflation for alcoholic beverages and tobacco edged up to 5.1 percent from 5.0 percent, while clothing and footwear accelerated to 4.4 percent from 4.3 percent.
Prices also rose faster for furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance, where inflation inched up to 7.2 percent from 7.1 percent. Health inflation increased to 3.7 percent from 3.4 percent.
National Inflation and Regional Comparison
Nationally, headline inflation slowed to 6.4 percent in June from 6.8 percent in May, as food inflation eased to 5.2 percent from 5.7 percent. Among the regions, the next-highest inflation rates were recorded in Caraga at 8.9 percent, Davao Region at 8.1 percent, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 8.0 percent. Bicol Region posted 7.6 percent, while Western Visayas registered 6.8 percent.
