Gold is a tangible asset that can protect you in times of economic crises or financial failures.
You can store gold coins or gold bullions in your safety deposit box. And knowing that you have bonds, stocks, or mutual funds backed by gold can also put your mind at ease.
It’s a real investment, and you can choose to sell your gold when the time comes. Gold is very liquid. And even if the Philippine Peso fails, the value of your gold will remain the same because of its performance in the global marketplace.
What’s happening with gold prices in 2025?
If you’ve been following the news, you know gold prices have been all over the place this year. But overall, the trend is up, way up.
- Highest Price in 2025. ₱234,303 per ounce (24K gold) on October 10, 2025
- Lowest Price in 2025. ₱152,754 per ounce on January 1, 2025
- Average Price in 2025. Around ₱184,715 per ounce
- Recent Price (June 2025). About ₱184,000 to ₱192,000 per ounce, depending on the day. For example, on June 10, 2025, it was ₱184,897.52 per ounce; on June 13, it jumped to ₱192,325.31 per ounce.
- Per Gram Prices. In early June, 24K gold was selling for around ₱5,900 to ₱6,200 per gram.
That means if you bought gold at the start of the year and sold it at the peak, you could have made a nice profit.
Why are gold prices going up?
Gold prices are rising because of a few big reasons:
- Global inflation is high. Prices for everything are going up, so people are looking for safe places to put their money.
- The US dollar is weakening. When the dollar drops, gold tends to go up.
- Central banks are buying more gold. Countries like the Philippines are adding more gold to their reserves, which pushes prices higher.
Experts say gold prices could keep rising, especially if the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates later this year.
How to invest in gold in the Philippines
There are a few ways to get into gold, and each has its own pros and cons.
1. Buy gold jewelry
This is perhaps the easiest way to invest in gold, although the markups in gold jewelry do not make it that much appealing. Also, the resale value of gold jewelry may not always be substantial.
But if you buy a very expensive piece that’s at least 10 karats, or even pure gold with 24 karats, you can profit a lot more. It has more value in terms of gold content and collectability.
2. Buy physical gold
You can buy gold coins, gold bars, or gold bullions, depending on how much you want to spend on them. The price per gram for 24K gold is around ₱5,900 to ₱6,200 right now.
However, most dealers will add markups to their gold prices, so it’s best to find a reputable gold dealer first. Once you have purchased your gold, an option is to rent out a safety deposit box at your local bank.
3. Buy gold certificates
These are notes issued by companies that own gold, the most common of which are gold certificates for unallocated gold. Because there is no actual or physical gold, it’s more convenient and more affordable than allocated gold.
You also have the company’s guarantee that they have gold reserves that will back your gold certificate. But if you have funds and are thinking of buying a gold certificate, it’s recommended that you buy allocated gold.
It may be more expensive because you will need to pay for storage or premiums, but the gold will be your investment and physical property.
4. Invest in gold ETFs, mining stocks, or mutual funds
Exchange-traded funds or ETFs work just like stocks, and they also trade on an exchange. But ETFs are only backed by gold, and you don’t physically own the gold. When you want to redeem your gold ETF, you will only receive the cash equivalent and not the actual gold.
Although ETFs will not make it possible for you to own a real gold bar, it will expose you when it comes to tracking the performance of gold and how its prices move in the market. Mutual funds and ETFs are low-cost and are a very liquid entry to the gold market.
How does BSP gold buying program work?
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has a gold buying program that allows it to purchase gold primarily from registered small‑scale miners and BSP‑accredited traders, subject to documentation and due diligence.
They refine the gold to meet the standard requirements of international bullion markets. Keep in mind that BSP requires Responsible Gold Sourcing documentation (per LBMA RGG), valid identification, and, for tax‑exempt sales, a BSP Certification supported by a valid Small‑Scale Mining Contract.
There are gold buying stations located in different locations in the Philippines. Currently, you can sell your gold at the Gold Buying Stations in Quezon City, Baguio, Naga, Zamboanga, and Davao. For gold to be accepted, it should be in disc or bar form and free from amalgam or mercury. It should not contain slag or other foreign matter as well.
Regulatory notes: Domestic purchase/sale of gold is generally allowed without prior BSP approval. Export of gold may be subject to BSP approvals/clearances. Verify licensing and custody when using ‘digital gold’ or online platforms; regulatory treatment depends on product design.
Why should you invest in gold?
Gold is a real currency. Even if prices go up or down, gold will always be valuable. You can sell it anywhere in the world, and it’s not something that can be stolen from your online bank account.
Your gold is safe in your safety deposit box or wherever you choose to keep it. But remember, gold isn’t perfect. Prices can be volatile, and there are always risks, like theft or fraud. That’s why it’s important to do your research and not put all your money in gold.
Most financial advisors will tell you that gold is not the best option for everyone, but it can be a good part of a diversified portfolio. Be aware of your risk tolerance towards investments.
People also ask about gold investments in the Philippines
If you’re considering if gold investments are for you, here are some of the burning questions people also ask.
1. What are the best ways to invest in gold in the Philippines?
Many investors opt for direct ownership of physical gold, such as gold bullion, gold bars, and bullion coins, because it offers underlying value and can protect their purchasing power during market volatility.
You can also buy gold jewelry, which combines art form with investment, or explore exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
2. What’s the difference between gold coins, gold bars, and gold jewelry?
Gold coins and gold bars are both forms of gold bullion, designed for gold investment rather than decoration, while gold bars usually come in larger sizes and have lower storage costs per ounce.
Gold jewelry, on the other hand, has both art form and investment value, but often comes with higher markups due to craftsmanship.
3. How do gold futures, ETFs, and mutual funds work for investing in gold?
Gold futures and derivatives markets allow you to speculate on gold prices without owning the metal, but these can be complex for beginners. Gold ETFs and mutual funds are simpler: gold ETFs track the market price of gold, while mutual funds may focus on gold mining stocks or other precious metals.
These options let you add precious metals to your investment portfolio without worrying about storage costs or direct ownership.
4. How can I sell physical gold in the Philippines?
If you want to sell gold, you can take your physical gold, such as gold bars, bullion coins, or gold jewelry to reputable dealers, pawnshops, or, if you are a registered small‑scale miner or BSP‑accredited trader meeting documentation requirements, you may sell to the BSP’s Gold Buying Stations.
Sales to private dealers/pawnshops are not covered by RA 11256’s tax exemption; applicable taxes/fees may apply. Only qualifying sales to BSP are tax‑exempt Selling physical gold is straightforward: you’ll get paid based on the current market price and the purity of your gold. Just remember that some buyers may deduct storage costs or other fees.
5. Why do many investors add gold to their investment portfolios?
Gold investment is popular because gold is a valuable asset that tends to hold its underlying value, even when paper currency or paper money loses its worth. Central banks and many investors use gold to hedge against inflation and market volatility.
Whether you buy gold mining stocks, mining companies, gold bars, or gold coins, gold can help diversify your investment portfolio and protect your wealth.
The bottom line
Gold is still a good investment in 2025, especially if you want something stable and real. With prices going up and new ways to invest, like digital gold and online platforms, there are more options than ever.
But don’t forget to do your homework and think about your own financial goals. Are you ready to invest in gold in the Philippines? Why or why not?
Share your thoughts in the comments.