The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has cleared a major milestone, approving investments worth P207.577 billion from January to November, surpassing last year’s P201.55 billion tally. The approvals cover 281 new and expansion projects, marking a 2.99-percent increase in investment value and an 18-percent jump in project count from 239 in 2024.
The surge reflects growing confidence in the Philippines’ ecozone sector, with projected exports climbing nearly 90 percent to USD7.39 billion. These developments are expected to generate 69,737 direct jobs for Filipinos, reinforcing the country’s role as a competitive investment hub.
Japanese investors led the pack, followed by the Cayman Islands, South Korea, China, Singapore, and the United States. Notably, domestic market-focused projects also saw a significant boost, totaling P110.733 billion.
“Even amid global uncertainties, our ecozone industry remains resilient. These numbers reflect investors’ trust in the Philippines’ competitiveness and PEZA’s commitment to seamless service,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga.
At its November 28 board meeting, PEZA approved P32.211 billion in 38 new and expansion projects, expected to produce USD1.741 billion in exports and nearly 10,000 jobs. The approved projects span export manufacturing, IT-BPM, facilities development, logistics, and ecozone development, and will be located across CALABARZON, NCR, Central Luzon, Ilocos, Bicol, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Davao regions.
Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Maria Cristina A. Roque highlighted five “big-ticket” projects worth P27.261 billion in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and ecozone development, set for Camarines Norte, Laguna, Tarlac, and Batangas.
With the government promoting more ecozones, PEZA remains bullish on the Philippines’ investment prospects, signaling that the country is on track to exceed 2024’s performance and solidify its status as a technology-driven, export-oriented hub.
