The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) breaks 2025 investment target as it approved PhP 260.89 Billion investments, a 21.91% growth as compared to January to December 2024. This remarkable achievement not only ranks as the sixth highest in PEZA’s 30-year history but also marks the most significant investment growth since 2016, highlighting the agency’s strong momentum and the Philippines’ growing appeal to investors.
“We are proud to share that despite global headwinds and economic challenges, PEZA has defied the odds as it sustained its upward investment growth trajectory—anchored on the continued trust and confidence of investors in the Philippines, and most especially in our ecozones. We not only surpassed our PhP 250 Billion low-end target for the year but also achieved an all-time high since 2016,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga.
With this achievement, PEZA sets a PhP 300 Billion investment target for 2026, aiming to further strengthen the Philippines’ position as a premier destination for investors and sustain the robust growth seen in recent years.
Breakdown of 2025 Approvals
The record-breaking investment was driven by a robust mix of 314 new and expansion projects (23.41% higher than last year) across manufacturing, information technology–business process management (IT-BPM), logistics, utilities, facilities, domestic market enterprise, tourism, and ecozone development. Most of these projects will be located in Luzon, especially in CALABARZON and the LEC areas while others are scattered in Visayas and Mindanao.
Collectively, these projects are expected to generate 78,741 direct jobs for Filipinos, representing an 8.74% increase compared to 2024. They are also projected to produce up to US$11.522 billion in export revenues, noting an impressive 145.73% increase versus the same period last year.
Among these, a total of 41 big-ticket projects were approved, bringing in a total of PhP 214.603 Billion. These underscore the continuous demand for world-class Filipino workforce, the growing competitiveness of PEZA-registered enterprises and the rising global demand for Philippine-made products.
December Board Approvals
On December 22, the PEZA Board met for their last meeting for the year wherein they approved seven (7) new and expansion projects worth PhP 23.689 Billion. To locate in NCR, CALABARZON, and Region III, these projects are expected to create 3,821 direct jobs and generate US$ 1.304 Billion in exports.
During this period, three (3) major big-ticket investments with a combined value of PhP 23.123 billion were approved. These include a tourism enterprise that will develop a ultra-luxury hotel brand and MICE facilities in NCR; an enterprise that will manufacture medical and non-medical gloves in Batangas; and a manufacturing firm that will expand its EMS-SMS operations in Laguna.
The recent approvals are on top of the PhP 29.624 billion in investments greenlighted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Cristina A. Roque, together with the Board members, during the December 12 meeting, bringing total approvals for the month to PhP 53.313 billion.
“The continued momentum in investment approvals reflects a stable and predictable policy environment that supports long-term business decisions, with the DTI committed to advancing initiatives that enhance competitiveness, strengthen investor confidence, and drive sustained economic growth,” Secretary Roque affirmed.
DG Panga noted, “Building on this momentum, we remain focused on strengthening our ecozone ecosystem, expanding high-quality investments, and creating more jobs for Filipinos, as we position PEZA for sustained growth and greater opportunities in the years ahead.”
New Ecozones Eyed
In support of this growth, PEZA vows to further strengthen initiatives to advance the country’s ecozone development program and create new types of ecozones that will cater to various industries.
“We thank Executive Secretary Ralph Recto for conveying the Marcos Jr. administration’s support in creating new hubs that will push to spread investments nationwide and fast-track job creation,” said DG Panga as PEZA welcomed 10 new and expanded ecozones approved by the President for 2025.
The Director General added, “There are still 14 ecozones in the pipeline ready for proclamation. And, as more ecozones are proclaimed by the President like that of the first Mega Ecozone in Ihawig, Palawan and a Pacific gateway in Pantao, Albay, we are confident that the influx of investments and expansion of projects at PEZA will continue. Locators are seeing the value of expanding and consolidating their supply chains in the Philippines.”
Based on the performance data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the DTI, PEZA remains among the leading agencies in the country that consistently generates the highest volume of approved investments. Majority of the export-oriented manufacturing investments are lodged with PEZA that contribute to 54% of Philippine exports. Moreover, as PEZA caters to mostly manufacturing, IT- BPM services and ecozone development sectors, these deployed or realized investments from newly approved ecozone projects are expected to generate immediate employment opportunities, increased income for host LGUs and other socio-economic benefits for the country.
With sustained government support, strong investor confidence, and a growing ecozone network, PEZA remains committed to positioning the Philippines as a premier investment destination in the region. As it continues to expand and innovate its ecozone development program, PEZA looks ahead with optimism—driving inclusive growth, generating quality jobs for Filipinos, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s long-term economic resilience.
