By Eileen Mencias
Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy surged 22.3% year on year to $14.8 million in August 2026, far outpacing growth from major Gulf countries as overall inflows into the Philippines slowed, central bank data showed.
Remittances from Italy rose by $2.7 million from $12.1 million a year earlier, bringing its January-to-August total to $113.5 million, up 11.8%, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
In contrast, remittance growth from Saudi Arabia slowed to 1.3% from 3.7% a year earlier, with August inflows reaching $204 million.
Growth from the United Arab Emirates eased to 1.1% from 4.3%, with remittances totaling $142.8 million, while Qatar recorded a 2.4% increase to $91.8 million, down from 6.5%.
Kuwait posted 2.5% growth to $70.5 million, compared with 6.1% a year earlier.
Overall, cash remittances rose 1.9% to $3.03 billion in August, bringing eight-month inflows to $23.42 billion, up 2.2% year on year.
The United States remained the largest source, contributing $1.23 billion in August, up 0.9%, and accounting for the biggest dollar increase at $11.3 million.
Japan followed with a $5 million gain to $130.9 million, up 3.9%, while Singapore and Taiwan recorded increases of 1.7% to $217.2 million and 3.7% to $89.3 million, respectively.
Together with Italy, the four countries accounted for the five largest dollar increases in August.
Despite slower monthly growth, Gulf remittances remained higher over the first eight months. Saudi Arabia contributed $1.49 billion, up 2.9%, while UAE inflows rose 3.3% to $1.05 billion.
Qatar and Kuwait recorded gains of 3.3% to $693.1 million and 3.2% to $412.6 million, respectively.
The United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan and the United Kingdom were the five largest remittance sources during the eight-month period.
Remittances remain a key pillar of Philippine household spending, helping finance food, housing, education and other daily expenses.
