The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) sustained its investment momentum in the first five months of 2026, with the approval of 135 new and expansion projects worth PHP124.836 billion, up 88 percent from PHP66.340 billion approved in the same period last year.
The approved projects are expected to generate USD2.966 billion in exports, nearly three times the USD1.092 billion recorded in the same period last year, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a competitive hub for export-oriented industries.
The approved projects are expected to generate 20,012 new jobs, compared with 22,337 jobs during the same period last year.
For May alone, the PEZA Board approved 31 projects valued at PHP15.408 billion, a
446.89 percent increase from the PHP2.817 billion approved in May 2025.
The projects are likewise expected to generate USD364.734 million in exports, 48.29 percent higher than the level recorded a year earlier.
Of the projects approved during the month, 16 are export manufacturing enterprises, seven are IT-BPM projects, two are domestic market enterprises, two are ecozone
development projects, two are logistics enterprises, one is a facilities enterprise, and one is a tourism enterprise.
In terms of geographic distribution, Luzon accounted for 24 projects, led by CALABARZON with 16. The National Capital Region registered six projects, while Central Luzon recorded two. The Visayas accounted for four projects—three in Cebu and one in Iloilo—while Mindanao posted three projects located in Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.
Investments from Netherlands led the newly approved projects, followed by South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the agency’s strong performance reflects sustained investor confidence in the Philippines despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. “Our robust investment growth and the near tripling of projected exports demonstrate that investors continue to see the Philippines as a strategic location for business expansion. Amid global economic headwinds, PEZA ecozones remain attractive because of our stable business environment, skilled workforce, strategic location, and strong government support for export-oriented industries,” he said.
Beyond the numbers, the PEZA chief emphasized that the approved projects are expected to translate into new factories, technology transfers, higher-value exports, and greater economic opportunities for Filipinos.
New SIPP to drive growth
The recent approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to further boost the country’s investment
competitiveness by promoting advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and sustainability-driven industries. The updated investment roadmap complements PEZA’s efforts to attract high-value, innovation-led projects that support export growth and industrial upgrading.
Panga welcomed the new SIPP, saying it reinforces the country’s readiness to compete for the industries of the future while building on the strong investment momentum recorded in the first five months of 2026.
“The 2026 SIPP is a significant step forward in positioning the Philippines as a destination for high-value, technology-driven, and sustainable industries. Its stronger focus on advanced manufacturing, innovation, and Industry 4.0 technologies aligns closely with PEZA’s investment promotion strategy and our efforts to attract projects that generate higher-value exports, strengthen local industries, and deepen the country’s participation in global value
chains. The 2026 SIPP opens the door for closer trade relationships among strategic partners in the region like Vietnam and the rest of ASEAN through the creation of Strategic AI driven
supply chains.”
