‘Sari-sari’ stores growing faster in provincial areas — especially Bangsamoro, Negros Island

MANILA, Philippines — Growth in the “sari-sari” store sector shifted toward the provinces in 2025, with regional hubs outpacing Metro Manila in both expansion and transaction activity, according to a study by tech startup Packworks. In its year-end report, Packworks identifies the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Negros Island Region as