The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) welcomed Moody’s Ratings’ affirmation of the Philippines’ “Baa2” investment-grade credit rating with a “stable” outlook, citing the decision as a vote of confidence in the country’s macroeconomic resilience amid persistent global headwinds.
The credit rating agency’s retention of the Baa2 rating—one notch above the minimum investment grade — reflects the country’s solid economic growth trajectory, moderate debt burden, and robust banking system.
In a statement, the central bank emphasized that maintaining this rating reinforces investor confidence and ensures continued access to international capital markets under favorable terms.
The BSP affirmed its commitment to sustaining price stability, maintaining a resilient banking sector, modernizing payment and settlement systems, and managing international reserves prudently to safeguard long-term economic growth.
Building a stable foundation for emerging industries
IMAGE CREDIT: BSP
The central bank emphasized that this sustained macroeconomic stability serves as the bedrock for the government’s long-term industrialization agenda, particularly in high-growth regions like Mindanao.
Speaking at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Davao City on August 24, 2026, BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja linked the country’s creditworthiness and financial stability directly to the development of emerging sectors.
“Future industries do not happen by chance. They are made today upon the right foundations of macroeconomic stability, a sound financial system, technological innovation, and strong public-private partnerships,” Abenoja noted.
Under the theme “Make Future Industries Happen,” the briefing convened public and private sector leaders to explore regional expansion in key sectors across Mindanao, including agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital services, and renewable energy.
Translating national policy into regional growth
Abenoja pointed out that a stabilizing inflation trajectory, expanded bank lending capacity, and the acceleration of safe digital payments are critical drivers that will enable local enterprises to scale and attract new foreign direct investments.
BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja joins panel members Cathy Yang, Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon, Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon, and Assistant Secretary Neil Adrian S. Cabiles at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Mindanao.
The Davao PEB served as a platform to align local development opportunities with national priority sectors designated under the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP).
Organized by the BSP Investor Relations Group alongside the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Trade and Industry–Board of Investments (DTI-BOI), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the forum complemented regional consultations aimed at executing the national government’s fiscal and investment roadmaps.
By aligning international credit credibility with targeted regional development, economic managers aim to convert macroeconomic stability into tangible industrial expansion and localized job creation across the southern Philippines.
