MANILA, Philippines — Investment pledges registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) doubled in the first seven months, reflecting strong investor confidence in the country.
In a statement yesterday, the PEZA said that it approved P90.96 billion worth of investments from January to July, up from the P45.48 billion registered in the same period last year.
“This 100-percent surge in investment approvals in just seven months is a resounding vote of confidence in the Philippines as a competitive, resilient and innovation-ready investment destination,” PEZA director general Tereso Panga said.
“Investors are scaling up in our ecozones because they recognize our stable policies, world-class talent and our whole-of-government commitment to building smarter, greener and more inclusive growth centers across the country,” Panga said.
The approved investments cover 150 projects, a 25-percent increase from the 120 projects registered with the PEZA in the same period last year.
The projects involve manufacturing, information technology — business process management, domestic activities, ecozone development, facilities development, utilities and logistics.
In terms of employment, these projects are expected to create 35,874 direct jobs, 42 percent higher than the 25,259 jobs generated in the same period in 2024.
These projects are also expected to generate $2 billion worth of exports, 24 percent higher year-on-year.
For July alone, the PEZA approved investments amounting to P18.6 billion for 17 projects.
Once fully operational, these projects are expected to generate $744.06 million in export revenues and provide 2,891 jobs.
The PEZA board did not hold a meeting for investment approvals in July last year.
A P13-billion electronics or semiconductor manufacturing services facility that is expected to start operations in Batangas soon leads the list of approved projects in July.
The facility will involve the manufacture of computers, electronics, optical products, semiconductor devices and other electronic components to be exported to the United States.
According to Panga, the project shows how PEZA locators could diversify supply chains while ensuring quality and efficiency amid global trade shifts.
“Global companies are repositioning and the Philippines is ready to seize these opportunities. Through our mission of ecozoning the country, we are not just matching investors with ready sites — we are building inclusive and sustainable growth corridors that translate to jobs, exports and shared prosperity,” Panga said.
As the Philippines continues negotiations on the reciprocal trade agreement with the US, the PEZA is hopeful of seeing stronger trade ties and expanded market access between the two countries.
Following President Marcos’ recent visit to Washington, US President Donald Trump said a 19-percent tariff would be levied on Philippine exports. This is lower than the 20-percent tariff announced earlier this month, but higher than the 17-percent rate unveiled in April.
As the Philippines remains to have the second lowest US tariff rate in Southeast Asia next to Singapore’s 10 percent, the PEZA is hopeful of seeing a renewal of the US Generalized System of Preferences and the start of free trade agreement negotiations to support future growth.
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