Across the archipelago, PH growth hot spots seize the spotlight
For four decades, the Philippine Daily Inquirer has lived up to its ideal of becoming a unifying force in a country separated by far more than bodies of water.
Being a true national news source shines best during the bleakest days, when its mere presence in newsstands and iPads assures readers that the country can bounce back from whatever hurdle it faces.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when prolonged economic malaise seemed to permeate through a country once described as the “rising tiger of Asia,” the Inquirer started an initiative to showcase the regions and cities that make up the fabric of economic development.
The Inquirer Spotlight series of supplements seeks to highlight the massive impact that these places have on the national economy, offering valuable insights into the major trends that affect the Philippine economy and highlighting areas of future growth in a postpandemic world.
Crisscrossing the country since March 2023, Inquirer Spotlight discusses in depth macroeconomic indicators, infrastructure, housing, land use, local policies and even the local culture and food—highlighting stories at the intersection of business, governance, culture and history, packaged in colorful supplements that reflect the vibrant countryside.
Here are the areas it featured in the past two years.
Bacolod
The “City of Smiles” aims to become a “super city” through policies that promote a well-rounded quality of life. Traditionally powered by the sugar industry, it has successfully shown how to pivot to new opportunities in the green economy and by supporting business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, which now account for more than 74 percent of the city’s economy. The city is also banking on tourism to attract more business in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
Cebu
Despite being a longtime economic powerhouse, Cebu City is still bursting at the seams with possibilities. Its perfect balance of urban mainstays and rural comforts is supported by ongoing reforms in transportation and infrastructure. It seamlessly blends culture and history to unlock economic opportunities, as exemplified 2,000-square-meter Cebu Freedom Park.
Another visit by Inquirer Spotlight in September 2025 featured the city’s shift toward a blue economy through harnessing the endless opportunities afforded by its surrounding oceans, and a rise in demand for office space after the stupor of the pandemic years.
Iloilo
Proud of its heritage as a center of agriculture, the Iloilo provincial government wants to strengthen the sector by creating new value chains and better leveraging its links with the local tourism and handicrafts industries. It is not afraid of thinking of and selling novel ideas, such as an information technology park by the beach. Planned infrastructure projects, such as the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, are seen to ease access to different areas of the region, such as historical and cultural wonders.
Davao
It has long been the gateway to Mindanao, yet Davao City’s positive economic performance since the COVID-19 pandemic has shown a city that is hitting its stride. Banking on the three “pillars” of tourism, services, and industrial sectors, there is great potential for Davao to become an agricultural powerhouse beyond its major exports of mangosteen and durian. The local cultural scene proves that the city has a creative economy in the making. Hosting important eagle conservation facilities for decades, Davao can also harness opportunities in the green economy.
Pampanga
The province has rebounded successfully from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, and now is on the cusp of becoming its own “megalopolis.” The presence of retail and real estate investments tells of an economy in the upswing. Longstanding heritage gems and cultural exports, such as the parol, bring in tourists and investments. The ace up its sleeve, however, is being close to Metro Manila without the problems besetting the capital region, which lends well to major transportation projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway.
Eastern Visayas
Facing the Pacific Ocean has been a double-edged sword for the people of Samar and Leyte. Yet this has not stopped the capital cities of Tacloban and Ormoc from becoming the business and tourism hubs in the area. To woo more investments, the local governments have been working to enhance the cities’ infrastructure, maintain peace and order, and promote ease of doing business. What these areas have got going for them the most, however, is their rich culture and a strong, hardworking workforce.
Cagayan de Oro
Connected to international trade through major ports and being home to a major industrial corridor and several educational facilities, Cagayan de Oro City is shaping up as the fourth metropolitan center of the country. It has successfully shown how to preserve cultural heritage in concert with modernization, such as the replacement of the historical Ysalina Bridge. Strong local consumption and a young workforce augur well for the city’s continued growth.
Laguna
The country’s largest provincial economy is still booming. From infrastructure projects to improve connectivity along its towns to targeted investments in health care and tourism, Laguna wants to secure its place as an economic powerhouse. The province also wants to fortify the agricultural sector, especially for rural farmers, by linking farms to markets and modernizing associated facilities.
Manila
The Philippine capital has been the birthplace not only of the nation but also of the country’s major companies. Manila has a strong sense of history permeating through its streets, which continues to attract tourists and investors alike. Six major infrastructure projects, meanwhile, aim to make the city more “magnificent” and livable for its residents.
Makati
The country’s premier business and financial center seeks to build upon its continuous growth through reducing business costs, reasonable taxes, and enhancing sustainable development. Makati aims to cement its reputation as the best city to work and play, with smart infrastructure projects in the pipeline, along with concerted efforts to highlight local tourist attractions.
