Navigating challenges, delivering growth
Over the past few years, Philippine companies have been buffeted by headwinds growing in frequency and severity, ranging from geopolitical tensions and trade disputes abroad to local political turmoil and natural disasters.
A number of companies, however, have managed to consistently grow their bottom line despite these daunting challenges.
Thus they landed on The Philippines’ Growth Champions 2026 list, which was drawn up by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Germany-based market research firm Statista.
Here, some of the companies that made the list talk about what they did over the past years that enabled them to land on the list.
1. Apex Mining Co., Inc. (APX)
For Apex Mining, growth these past three years has been careful, step by step, but steady.
Robust fundamentals, optimized production capacity and prudent spending have allowed the company to be resilient amid fluctuating metal prices, volatile business environs and even climate change.
Gold production capacity has been increasing since 2023 and the company has constantly been gaining more recognition as one of the country’s leading gold producers.
In 2025, Apex was included in the list of Forbes Asia’s companies that are “Best Under a Billion” and was recognized by FinanceAsia with a bronze award in its Asia’s Best Managed Companies (Basic Materials category).
In February 2026, APX joined the local bourse’s MidCap index. Next month, APX will be included in the MSCI small-cap index, as well.
With the acquisition of Asia-Alliance Mining Resources Corp. in 2023, Apex Mining has secured an additional massive 19,000 hectare (ha) expansion surrounding its Maco gold mine in Maco, Davao de Oro, which is roughly eight times the size of the Maco gold mine.
Beyond the production of gold and silver, Apex Mining has its sights on mining copper with the Amacan porphyry copper deposit, one of the many pits in this Asia-Alliance tenement. Indeed, Asia-Alliance holds many opportunities for Apex Mining, both green and brownfields.
Apex Mining’s wholly owned subsidiary, Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc., has upped its operating level from 200 tons per day (tpd) to 500 tpd and has already secured a CP as one of the requirements to convert its 434-ha Application for Mineral Production Sharing Agreement to a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement.
While Apex Mining is now gaining recognition both here and abroad, the company remains humble and committed to responsible mining and helps spur genuine progress in communities that host their operations by providing opportunities, thereby contributing to nation-building.
Safety and sustainability are its cornerstones in operations, which will no doubt be a constant guidance in its growth moving forward.
Luis Sarmiento
President and CEO
2. Anchor Land Holdings
Anchor Land’s remarkable growth in the past three years is grounded in its adept understanding of the market, continuous innovation, and enduring commitment to customer service.
These have allowed the full-line developer to stay ahead of the curve and deliver real estate solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern lifestyles.
From 2023, Anchor Land has maintained its focus on diversification, enabling it to venture successfully into new segments—including boutique luxury hospitality with Admiral Hotel Manila.
The developer’s sustained year-on-year growth was further supported by its operational efficiency and strong financial performance across diverse revenue streams, including real estate sales, rental operations, and hospitality.
This positive trajectory was sustained into 2024, driven by robust sales of standout projects in its stronghold of Manila Chinatown and key urban centers like Bay City Manila and Davao City. Alongside this success in the real estate segment, Anchor Land saw increased revenue from hotel operations—firmly cementing the developer’s position in the luxury hospitality sector.
In 2025, Anchor Land strengthened its portfolio with strategic launches that reflect its commitment to meet changing market needs.
It officially launched SAVÈA Bay City Manila, catering to the demand for premium accommodations and sustainable investments in the dynamic business and entertainment center.
This launch underscores Anchor Land’s ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in high-potential districts, positioning the company for continued expansion across its core segments.
Moving into 2026, Anchor Land’s vision is guided by evolving investor behaviors and new growth engines.
Its Serviced Residences, including those at Copeton Baysuites, leverage the Philippines’ tourism boom to meet growing demand for reliable fixed-income investments.
[The plan is] to further deepen its market presence and extend its reach to high-growth tourism hotspots through its leisure-oriented Destination Residences—with projects soon to rise in Central Roxas Boulevard, Boracay, Coron and San Vicente, Palawan.Elizabeth Ventura
President
3. DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
Our success is anchored in the belief that innovation must be both culturally resonant and responsibly executed. We have differentiated ourselves by delivering unique, localized game experiences on secure, state-of-the-art platforms, with strong safeguards that prioritize player protection and trust.
This foundation has allowed us to help set industry standards, earn enduring loyalty and ensure that our growth creates shared value—not just for our business, but for the communities we serve.
Eusebio Tanco
Chair
4. MerryMart Consumer Corp.
The past five years—particularly the last three—have been among the most challenging economic periods I have experienced as an entrepreneur, especially in steering relatively young companies such as MerryMart Consumer Corp. and DoubleDragon Corp. forward.
[We faced] rough and volatile global and domestic economic conditions, but we are grateful to still be able to grow and strengthen these companies forward with the hard work of our agile and dedicated team members and with the strong support of all our stakeholders.For this year, 2026, DoubleDragon and MerryMart Consumer Corp. will continue to focus on many strategic and tactical initiatives to deepen their consumer market grip and make the balance sheet stronger, aligned with our mission of building businesses that will stand the test of time.
Specifically to our consumer business MerryMart Consumer Corp., we will continue to push forward the completion of the ongoing calibration of its back-end systems and logistical capabilities which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026 that would enable MerryMart to operate more efficiently, to greatly improve its customer service, and will also enable MerryMart to ramp up its wholesale, retail and consumer business expansion in the Philippines.
Edgar Injap Sia II
Chair
5. Security Bank Corp.
Security Bank’s performance in the first nine months of 2025 reflects growth in revenues and net income, a wider branch network, and higher digital transactions—fueled by strategic technology investments. Total revenues rose 22 percent to P48.8 billion, while net profit increased 7 percent to P9.1 billion.
Growth was driven by higher net interest income, which increased 15 percent to P37.2 billion, alongside expanding loan portfolios, particularly in retail lending such as home loans and auto loans. Noninterest income grew 52 percent to P11.6 billion, driven by service charges, payment services, capital markets activity and foreign exchange transactions.
Total deposits increased by 25 percent to P901 billion, reflecting the ongoing trust of individuals and businesses who bank with us.
Beyond organic growth, 2025 was also defined by strategic partnerships that broadened our reach.
Our investment in Home Credit Philippines deepened our participation in consumer finance, while the launch of Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines enabled us to support vehicle ownership through tailored financing solutions.
These collaborations allow us to extend our services responsibly and reach customers in ways we could not do alone.
Digital transformation gained further traction during the year.
Years of sustained investment translated into tangible improvements in customer experience—including the Security Bank App, which became central to engagement with over one million active users.
Digital onboarding, multichannel servicing, and simpler processes supported greater participation across products and services.
For us, digital is no longer a support channel—it is core to how we serve customers and operate more efficiently.
We also continued to invest in people and branch expansion, growing our network and strengthening our presence in key markets.
While these investments increased operating expenses, revenues grew at a faster pace, contributing to improved efficiency and reinforcing our operating foundation.
The year was further marked by important milestones, including successful capital market transactions, progress in sustainable finance and continued recognition for governance, innovation and SME banking.
Moreover, Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. ranked among the top three in Equity Capital Markets and top five in Debt Capital Markets, underscoring our ability to support clients across the capital structure. These achievements reflect the trust of customers, partners, investors and regulators and form a stable platform as leadership transitions into the bank’s next chapter.
Victor Lee Meng Teck
President and CEO
6. Repower Energy Development Corp. (REDC)
REDC, a subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corp., attributes its strong growth through reliable operations, supportive industry conditions and continuous expansion.
It continues to focus on the timely completion of its projects and maintaining consistent performance.
The completion of the 18.20-megawatt Pulanai Hydropower Plant in Bukidnon was a key achievement as it effectively doubled REDC’s installed capacity and is projected to significantly increase power generation and revenue.
REDC’s existing plants performed well, citing minimal downtime throughout the year. This efficiency is attributed to the company’s strict compliance with its standard operating procedures and regular maintenance of the plants.
Favorable weather conditions notably contributed to the company’s performance, as the end of the El Niño and the absence of disruptive typhoons supported stable operations throughout the year.
In addition, improved grid stability enabled more reliable and efficient power delivery.
The company also expressed its appreciation for the strong support of its shareholders, whose continued trust plays a vital role in sustaining REDC’s steady growth and expansion.
With the completion of the Pulanai Hydropower Plant and the solid performance of our existing facilities, we are well-positioned for sustained growth in the coming years ahead.
The recent groundbreaking of the Pulangi IV Hydropower Plant in Bukidnon, REDC aims to expand into new areas with a continued focus on reliability and operational efficiency.
Eric Peter Roxas
President
7. Balai ni Fruitas
Behind the rapid expansion of Balai Pandesal is a broader platform strategy under Balai ni Fruitas, which also houses other brands such as Buko ni Fruitas and Fruitas House of Desserts.
It was built with a clear ambition: to professionalize and modernize the neighborhood bakery segment while preserving the accessibility and familiarity that Filipino consumers value.
The company reached a major milestone in 2022 with its successful initial public offering, strengthening its capital base to support long-term expansion.
Within this platform, Balai Pandesal became the flagship growth engine.
Over the past three years, Balai Pandesal has evolved from a small bakery concept into a growing national brand by staying close to one simple insight: Filipinos value food that feels familiar, accessible and made with care.
As customer needs evolve, the brand adapts by expanding its product range—extending beyond traditional daily bakery items to offer complementary items that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Being part of the Fruitas Holdings ecosystem allowed Balai Pandesal to unlock meaningful synergies across products.
A significant milestone came with the acquisition of Sugarhouse in 2024, which enabled the group to enter the more premium cake and café segment.
Together, Sugarhouse and Balai Pandesal broadened the company’s reach across both mass and premium baked goods, strengthening its positioning as a diversified food retail platform.
This growth was further supported by continuous product innovation, multichannel distribution, and an expanded digital presence—allowing Balai Pandesal to scale efficiently and reach a wider market.
At the core of this growth was a strong focus on people. As the network expanded, the company invested in hiring the right talent and strengthening training programs to ensure consistent execution across stores.
By equipping teams with clear standards, practical skills,and a shared sense of accountability, the brand was able to translate scale into sustained performance.
Growth doesn’t come from stores alone—it comes from people who understand the brand and execute well every day. When you invest in the right people who understand your company culture, growth becomes sustainable.
Today, the success of Balai Pandesal reflects the broader direction of Balai ni Fruitas as a scalable, multibrand platform.
By combining disciplined expansion, strategic brand integration and acquisitions such as Sugarhouse, the company continues to build a diversified presence across mass and premium segments.
