Benise Balaoing

Young people enjoy a concert during the launch of YSpeak 2.0, dubbed "The People’s Power," at the Eton Centris outdoor venue in Quezon City on February 25, 2026. The event marked the modern revival of the youth-focused debate show and was headlined by the band Ben&Ben, who were joined by other OPM artists, including Ebe Dancel.  Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Concerts among biggest growth drivers for NCR, says PSA

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The economy of Metro Manila grew by 4.4 percent in 2025, driven by growth in several industries, with hospitals and concerts among having the highest growth rates, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.The value of the National Capital Region (NCR) economy rose to P7.24 trillion from P6.94 trillion in 2024.Paciano Dizon, Philippine Statistics Authority NCR Regional Director, said that industries with the highest growth rates in NCR are human health and social work activities with 10.1 percent growth, other services at 8.4 percent, and transportation and storage at 7.7 percent.“Nagbukas ng isang emergency hospital, inupgrade nila P700 million that will cater to that city and different cities adjacent to that… Bulk ng mga tertiary, specialty hospital, lahat nasa NCR yun,” Dizon said on why the human health sector grew in Metro Manila in 2025.The ‘other services’ industry includes the entertainment sector, which also covers concerts. The ‘other services’ industry grew 8.4 percent. There have been a number of concerts and events held in Metro Manila in 2025 by both local and international artists.Dizon recalled that he knew someone who attended a concert in Metro Manila. “Umattend ng isang concert- upperbox P14,000 sold out. Halos lima ang blockbuster [concerts] - international and local concerts.”Overall, the biggest contributors to the economy of NCR are financial and insurance activities, wholesale and retail trade, and professional and business services.Dizon added that the growth also increased the per capita Household Final Consumption Expenditure by 3.7 percent. He said every family in NCR spent P274,069 on average in 2025.“Ginastos o nagagastos ng isang buong sambahayan sa loob ng isang taon— including lahat yan- education, rent, food, transportation expenses, everything nandun lahat yan,” he said.Dizon welcomes the growth in NCR, adding that it comprises one-third of the Philippine economy. However, the 4.4 percent growth is slower than the previous year due to the flood control scandal. The growth rate of construction, for example, is -1.8 percent.PSA officials also noted that the ongoing Middle East crisis may also have an impact on the economy.“Lahat ng industry na intense malaki ang expense as intermediate consumption fuel at saka transportation fees, tatamaan talaga yun,” said Jing Rocabo, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA NCR.

The economy of Metro Manila grew by 4.4 percent in 2025, driven by growth in the hospital business and in concerts.

The economy of Metro Manila grew by 4.4 percent in 2025, driven by growth in the hospital business and in concerts.