COTABATO CITY — After dipping into deflation in December, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is back in positive territory, posting a 1.3 percent inflation rate in January 2026.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), released on 13 February, showed prices rebounding from the –1.0 percent rate recorded the previous month, largely driven by rising food costs.

PSA-BARMM Statistical Operations and Coordination Division chief Edward Donald Eloja described the development as a welcome turnaround, though he noted that inflation remains lower than the 1.7 percent recorded in January 2025 — a sign that consumer spending in the region is still feeling some pressure.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for about 76 percent of the overall increase. Fish prices continued to climb, along with fruits, oils and fats, and other food items. While rice prices are still lower compared to last year, their decline has slowed considerably, contributing to the uptick in inflation.

Not all prices went up, however. Meat prices slipped into negative growth, while milk and egg prices eased. Sugar and corn also continued to post declines.

Eloja pointed out that moderate inflation can signal a healthy economy — but only if it stays within a manageable range. Policymakers generally consider a 2 percent to 4 percent inflation band as ideal.

Across the region, price movements varied. Basilan recorded the highest inflation rate at 5.3 percent, followed by Tawi-Tawi at 3.4 percent and Lanao del Sur at 1.7 percent. Maguindanao posted the lowest rate at –0.8 percent.

In Cotabato City, inflation edged up to 0.8 percent from –1.3 percent in December, suggesting that prices in the urban center are gradually stabilizing.