The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s ocean-based industries have reached a new milestone, with their economic value surpassing ₱1 trillion last year.

According to the PSA, ocean economy grew 4.7 percent in January to December 2025 to ₱1.01 trillion from ₱962.49 billion a year earlier.

The Gross Value Added (GVA) from ocean-based activities contributed 3.8 percent to the country’s, economy, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices.

Data from the PSA showed that the fastest-growing ocean-based industries were coastal construction, which surged by 61.3 percent, coastal accommodation and food and beverage services, which rose by 34.8 percent, and marine education, which grew by 13.9 percent.

Conversely, declines were seen in maritime safety, surveillance, and resource management (3.3 percent), marine insurance (3.9 percent), ocean fishing (8.3 percent), and offshore and coastal mining and quarrying (15.4 percent).

Ocean fishing held the largest share of the total ocean economy at 24.5 percent. This was followed by the manufacture of ocean-based products (20.8 percent), sea-based transportation and storage (15.8 percent), and coastal accommodation and food and beverage services (12.8 percent).

Despite the economic growth, employment in the sector slightly decreased. The number of workers in ocean-based activities dropped by 1.0 percent to 2.39 million in 2024, down from 2.42 million in 2023. This accounted for 4.9 percent of the country's total employment.

Within the sector, ocean fishing employed the most workers at 35.6 percent, followed by sea-based transportation and storage (24.2 percent) and coastal accommodation and food and beverage services (22.6 percent).

While the ocean economy continues to be a vital part of the nation's GDP and provides millions of jobs, its sustained growth will depend on a balanced approach to economic expansion and sustainable resource management.