The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has surpassed its 2025 investment target, approving P260.89 billion worth of projects and beating its P250-billion goal, while posting a 21.91 percent increase from the P214 billion recorded in 2024.
The achievement marks the sixth-highest investment level in PEZA’s 30-year history and the strongest year-on-year growth since 2016, highlighting sustained investor confidence in Philippine economic zones despite persistent global headwinds.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the milestone reflects continued trust in the country’s ecozones, noting that the agency exceeded its low-end target and delivered its best growth performance in nearly a decade.
Riding on the momentum, PEZA has set a P300-billion investment target for 2026 as it aims to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a preferred investment destination.
Investment approvals in 2025 were driven by 314 new and expansion projects, up 23.41 percent year on year, spanning manufacturing, IT-business process management, logistics, utilities, facilities, domestic market enterprises, tourism, and ecozone development.
Most projects are located in Luzon, particularly CALABARZON and the Luzon Economic Corridor, while 44 projects are spread across Visayas and Mindanao.
The approved projects are expected to generate 78,741 direct jobs, up 8.74 percent from 2024, and produce up to $11.522 billion in export revenues, a 145.73 percent surge.
Big-ticket investments remained dominant, with 41 projects accounting for P214.603 billion, underscoring strong global demand for Philippine-made products and the competitiveness of PEZA firms.
At its December 22 board meeting, PEZA approved seven additional projects worth P23.689 billion in NCR, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon, expected to create 3,821 jobs and USD1.304 billion in exports.
The year-end approvals lifted December totals to P53.313 billion, reinforcing momentum heading into 2026 and investor confidence.
