As we prepare the latest updates for the Newsletter Bits & Pieces file, we want to share the reality of the economic situation currently impacting the communities we serve. Our ministry is built on the belief that “slow, steady faithfulness wins the race,” and running that race requires us to navigate some very real, difficult hurdles.
Here is a brief look at the current economic landscape in the Philippines right now:
- A Historic Growth Slump: The Philippines’ GDP growth dropped to 2.3 percent in the second quarter of this year. Excluding the COVID-19 pandemic, this marks the slowest the country has grown since 2009—falling well below the 5.3 percent growth that the World Bank predicted for 2026.
- Ongoing Economic Weakening: The government has tried to brush off the slowdown as “temporary.” However, after a period of strong growth, the fact is that the Philippine economy has seen sharp and continuous weakening since the third quarter of 2025.
- Infrastructure & Corruption Fallout: One major factor at play is the flood control corruption scandal that broke last year. Increased scrutiny around infrastructure spending has unfortunately slowed investment by both the government and the private sector alike. (The government notes this is being dealt with and expects infrastructure spending to increase in the third quarter).
- Global Energy Disruptions: The second major factor is the massive disruption to global energy markets following U.S. attacks on Iran and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Because the Philippines relies heavily on oil imported from the Middle East, the country is facing a nasty spike in inflation and a sharp slowdown in consumer spending.
- Regional Comparisons: These figures make the Philippines one of the worst—possibly the worst—performing economies in the region right now. For contrast, neighbors like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam have all released figures showing second-quarter growth above 5 percent.
The Call to “Stoop-Work”
What do these numbers mean for the people of Olongapo? It means that the daily hardships for our neighbors, our scholars, and the families we serve are actively intensifying. High inflation and economic slumps always hit those at the bottom the hardest.
Yet, this is exactly where the hard, heavy, and slow work of the Christian in this world takes place. Our response is not found in politics or loud noise, nor is it about reaching for the “heights”—it is about bending the back to do the “stoop-work” of service. As the economic burdens on our community grow heavier, we simply lower ourselves to serve them with quiet generosity and faithfulness.
Thank you for standing with our Filipino neighbors and us as we continue to press on.
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