MANILA, Philippines — Money sent home by overseas Filipinos rose 3 percent to $3.18 billion in July 2025, up from $3.08 billion a year earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Monday, highlighting the enduring economic lifeline provided by the country’s diaspora.
The central bank’s data showed remittances from sea-based workers edged up slightly faster, growing 3.1 percent to $585 million, compared to a 3 percent increase for land-based workers, whose contributions reached $2.59 billion. The uptick reflects the steady flow of funds from Filipinos working abroad, a critical driver of the Philippine economy.
From January to July 2025, cash remittances totaled $19.93 billion, a 3.1 percent increase from $19.33 billion in the same period last year. The United States led as the top source of remittances, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the global reach of Filipino workers.
“The increase in cash remittances drove an increase in personal remittances,” the BSP said in a statement. Personal remittances, which include cash sent through banks, informal channels, and in-kind contributions, reached $3.53 billion in July, up 3.1 percent from $3.43 billion a year ago. For the first seven months of 2025, cumulative personal remittances grew by 3.1 percent to $22.21 billion, compared to $21.53 billion in 2024.
The consistent growth in remittances highlights their role as a pillar of economic stability, supporting household consumption and fueling sectors like retail and real estate. With millions of Filipinos working abroad in diverse fields—from maritime to healthcare—these inflows remain a cornerstone of the nation’s resilience amid global economic uncertainties.
