In a notable trend spurred by evolving consumer habits, Filipinos are increasingly stepping into the role of sellers in the digital marketplace. This shift signifies a major change in the e-commerce landscape, moving away from the traditional reliance on platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
A Decrease in Search Interest
Between mid-2022 and mid-2026, search interest for leading e-commerce sites dropped by 37%. This decline is not indicative of a waning interest in online shopping, but rather reflects a transition towards a more diversified marketplace.
As consumers increasingly seek to establish their own online businesses, they are utilizing social media, personal websites, and pop-up shops to reach customers directly.
Provincial Growth in Digital Payment Searches
Data from PayMongo indicates that searches related to accepting digital payments have surged, particularly in provincial areas. Interest in terms like 'accept gcash' and 'accept maya' nearly tripled from 2022 to 2026.
Payment-acceptance searches rose 238% year-over-year in Northern Mindanao, 192% in Western Visayas, and 130% in the Davao Region.
PayMongo
- Completed transactions on PayMongo grew 89% from H1 2025 to H1 2026.
- The active merchant base nearly doubled, with a 93% growth in the same period.
This data illustrates that many Filipinos in the provinces are not merely browsing but actively engaging in commerce.
The Rise of Alternative Platforms
As the landscape becomes more competitive, alternative shopping platforms such as TikTok Shop and Facebook Marketplace are gaining traction. Their share of online searches rose from 2% in 2022 to between 8% and 13% by 2026.
Moreover, the trend toward diverse payment methods is evident, with increased interest in QR payments, aligning with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' QR Ph interoperability initiative.
Even in Metro Manila, searches for 'online business ideas' and 'how to sell online' increased by 59% in early 2026 compared to the previous year, highlighting a nationwide shift.