Registered investment pledges by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in the first half this year soared to PHP72.362 billion, marking a 59.1 percent increase compared to PHP45.481 billion approvals during the same period in 2024.
From January to June 2025, PEZA approved a total of 133 projects, a 10.83 percent increase from 120 projects approved during the first half of 2024. These projects are seen to generate 32,983 direct jobs for Filipinos, a strong 30.58 percent rise in employment compared to the 25,259 jobs projected to be created in the same period last year. Exports from these projects are projected at USD241.787 million annually once they start commercial operation.
During these months, 8 big-ticket projects were also approved, bringing in above PHP50 billion investments.
South Koreans were the biggest investor for the period followed by the Americans, Chinese, Dutch, and Japanese. In terms of sectoral investments, manufacturing of food and beverage products topped the list followed by ecozone development and IT-BPM.
June 2025 Board approval
For the month of June alone, the PEZA Board, chaired by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, approved the registration of 31 new and expansion projects with combined investments of PHP 6.022 billion, a significant 113.77 percent increase versus PHP2.817 billion approved the previous month, May. The June approvals are expected to generate USD161.43 million in annual exports, and create 3,646 direct jobs.
Most of the newly approved projects are export-oriented enterprises with 14 projects, followed by seven in the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. The rest include four domestic market-oriented projects, four in logistics operations, one focused on facilities development, and one developer project, signaling a healthy mix of sectors that are both globally competitive and locally impactful. These projects will be in CAR, NCR, Regions III, IV-A, VII, and XI.
Investment leads
Apart from these projects, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said they are actively pursuing and assisting over 50 investment leads. As a result of the various outbound missions, PEZA likewise welcomed several high-level inbound delegations during the period representing USA, China, Japan, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, and even domestic exploratory missions within the Philippines. These missions brought interest in EMS-SMS and advanced manufacturing activities, automotive, aviation, and IT-BPM projects such as IT healthcare and IoT solutions.
“The Philippines is in a sweet spot to attract FDIs at this time and surely, Filipinos and the whole country will reap the results of our combined hard work soon. PEZA is making headway in its mission to contribute to national economic recovery and inclusive development,” noted Panga.
Furthermore, DG Panga expressed optimism in achieving the set target for the year with the agency’s investment performance for the first half of the year. He credited the growth to the continued trust of investors and the strengthened support systems under PEZA’s investment facilitation strategies.
He attributed the significant increase in investment registration to PEZA’s strategic position as the premier investment promotion agency catering to export-oriented and high-growth sectors. The agency’s proactive stance in facilitating ease of doing business, improving investor confidence, and aligning investment strategies with the Marcos Jr. administration’s socio-economic goals has been instrumental in attracting fresh and expansion projects.
“This continued surge in investments affirms PEZA’s role as a vital engine for economic growth and job creation for the country,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga. “We are reaping the fruits of our aggressive promotion efforts, investor-centric reforms, and continued commitment to making the Philippines a competitive and resilient hub for global industries. The confidence shown by both new and existing investors is a strong signal that our ecozones are thriving and open for business.”
