MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded an inflation rate of negative 1.3 percent in April 2025, down from 0.2 percent in March. This remains the second-lowest rate in the country.
PSA-BARMM Regional Director Akan Tula said the decline was driven mainly by lower prices in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and Restaurants and Accommodation Services. He identified cereals, gasoline, tubers, poultry meat, and diesel as the top contributors to deflation.
“Negative inflation or deflation occurs when there is either an oversupply of goods, weak consumer demand, or excessive money circulation in the region—all of which drive prices down,” Tula said.
He explained that deflation can negatively affect workers, as some employers may respond by reducing salaries or cutting jobs. However, it benefits individuals with fixed incomes and savings, as their purchasing power increases.
Tula further said that positive inflation reflects rising prices of essential goods and services, while negative inflation indicates a drop in prices from previous levels.
Among BARMM provinces, Maguindanao recorded the lowest inflation rate at -3.4 percent followed by Tawi-Tawi (-2.1 percent ), Basilan (-1.3 percent ), and Sulu (-0.8 percent). Lanao del Sur had the highest at 1.0 percent. Cotabato City posted a further drop to -2.1 percent in April from -0.4 percent in March. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
