Factory output growth accelerated in August, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

Results of the monthly integrated survey of selected industries (MISSI) released Tuesday showed that the value of production index (VaPI) went up by 10.8 percent in August, faster than the 9.9 percent expansion in July.

It was also significantly higher than the 1.9 percent growth recorded in August last year.

The PSA said this was primarily due to the faster increase in the manufacture of computer, electronic, and optical products at 30.1 percent from 15.8 percent in July.

The volume of production index (VoPI) also accelerated to 11.8 percent from 6.7 percent in July.

In August last year, VoPI growth was at 1.3 percent.

The PSA said this was due to the faster annual increase in the manufacture of computer, electronic, and optical products, transport equipment, and basic metals.

Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector slightly declined to 78.7 percent from July’s 78.8 percent.

All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 65 percent during the month.

The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were the manufacture of tobacco products at 85 percent, refined petroleum products at 83.9 percent, and computer, electronic, and optical products at 83.3 percent. (PNA)