The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), which registers export-oriented enterprises, reported that it approved a total of PHP45.525 billion worth of investments in the first quarter this year, reflecting a sharp 22.7 percent decline from PHP58.95 billion in the first quarter of 2025, amid global uncertainties that continue to unsettle investor confidence.
Despite the decline in investments, PEZA registered a higher number of projects for the period with 78 new and expansion committed projects. This is 18.18 percent higher than the 66 approvals in the same period last year.
These projects are projected to generate USD10.865 billion in exports and 8,496 direct jobs, underscoring a continued increase in export revenues and a shift toward higher-value, export-oriented activities.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the total investment value reflects a calibrated pace amid evolving global conditions. But he also cited the strong export projections as indication to the increasing high-value investments entering Philippine ecozones.
“This performance reflects sustained investor confidence in the ecozones and in the Philippines as a competitive investment destination, even as global economic conditions remain volatile due to rising energy costs, supply chain adjustments, and geopolitical tensions,” said DG Panga.
For this year, the agency aims to hit PHP300 billion worth of investments.
In 2025, PEZA’s total approved investments reached PHP260.89 billion, up 21.91 percent from the 2024 figure of PHP214.18 billion. The 2025 performance was also PEZA’S highest since 2016.
