The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Board of Investments (BOI), reported a strong surge in foreign investments in the first quarter of 2026, with approved inflows from investment promotion agencies (IPAs) reaching Php42.64 billion, representing a 52.31% increase from Php27.99 billion in the same period last year, based on data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
South Korea emerged as the Philippines’ top source of foreign investments, contributing Php25.37 billion or 59.51% of total approvals during the period, according to the PSA report. Singapore and China followed with Php3.18 billion and Php2.54 billion, respectively, highlighting sustained regional investor interest in the country.
Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the strong first-quarter performance demonstrates that the Philippines remains a compelling destination for foreign investments.
“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reforms that improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s competitiveness helped drive more than 50% increase in foreign investment approvals in the first quarter. With South Korea accounting for nearly 60% of total inflows, the results reflect the strength of our economic partnership and continued investor confidence in the Philippines as a destination for high-impact investments that generate jobs and support economic growth,” Secretary Roque said.
Total IPA-approved investments reached Php125.95 billion in the first quarter, with domestic investments accounting for Php83.31 billion. The approved projects are projected to generate 21,623 jobs for Filipinos, supporting employment creation and economic activity.
Among IPAs, the BOI remained the largest contributor to total approvals, registering Php58.20 billion from 50 projects. Of this, Php5.24 billion were foreign investments, while Php52.96 billion were local investments. These projects are expected to generate 6,226 jobs.
Within BOI-approved foreign investments, Singapore led contributions with Php2.97 billion, followed by China with Php762.80 million and the United States with Php489.35 million. Other notable sources included the Netherlands and Canada. South Korea also figured among BOI-approved investments, contributing to projects such as a 2.000 MWp / 1.600 MWac solar power project in Camotes Island, Cebu, with total project costs of Php93.95 million.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the first-quarter performance signals sustained momentum for the rest of the year, reflecting both the resilience of the Philippine investment landscape and the impact of reforms and targeted promotion efforts.
“This strong first-quarter performance sets the tone for sustained foreign investment inflows in the months ahead, driven by ongoing reforms, improved ease of doing business, and proactive investment promotion,” Undersecretary Rodolfo said.
Investment approvals were largely driven by the energy sector (including renewable energy), which accounted for Php29.58 billion or 23.48% of total investments. This was followed by accommodation and food service activities at Php24.03 billion, manufacturing at Php21.89 billion, and real estate activities at Php20.72 billion. Notably, investments in accommodation and food service activities surged by 917.7%, while arts, entertainment, and recreation posted growth of over 3,000%, indicating renewed investor interest in tourism-related and consumer-driven sectors.
The BOI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a whole-of-government approach to investment promotion, positioning the Philippines as a competitive and reliable investment destination while supporting sustained and inclusive economic growth.
