The country’s ocean-based industries expanded by 5.3 percent in 2025, driven by stronger contributions from fishing activities and marine equipment manufacturing.
In its latest report, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the value of the country’s ocean-based economy reached P1.08 trillion last year, from P1.02 trillion in 2024.
Despite the expanded value of ocean-based industries, its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product declines to 3.8 percent in 2025 from 3.9 percent the prior year.
Among ocean-based activities, the PSA said marine safety, surveillance and resource management saw the highest growth at 31.7 percent in 2025.
This was followed by marine insurance at 29.6 percent, while sea-based transportation and storage posted a 10.8 percent increase.
In terms of total contribution to the ocean economy, ocean fishing registered the highest share with 24.1 percent.
This was followed by the manufacture of ocean-based products at 21.3 percent, sea-based transportation and storage at 16.3 percent and coastal accommodation and food and beverage service activities at 12.1 percent.
The PSA added that total employment for ocean-based industries amounted to 2.46 million in 2025, a 3.4-percent increase from the 2.38 million logged the prior year.
‘With respect to the total employment in the country, five percent is ocean-based,’ the report said.
Among sea-based activities, ocean fishing made up the largest share at 37.8 percent.
Sea-based transportation and storage followed, making up 23.6 percent, while coastal accommodation and food and beverage services activities employed 21.7 percent of the total.