The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is holding firm on its P300-billion investment target for 2026, highlighting a resilient manufacturing sector, robust exports, and ongoing expansion by investors despite global uncertainties.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga reported that manufacturing continues to drive the bulk of investment, accounting for 59 percent of registered projects. Approvals, export output, and expansion plans from existing locators show no signs of slowing down.
“The Philippines mirrors broader ASEAN trends,” Panga said, pointing to the region’s manufacturing resilience even with fluctuating Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) readings.
While the country’s PMI dipped slightly in April, it remained above the 50-point growth threshold and is expected to rebound in the coming months.
Global challenges including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions continue to test investors and manufacturers.
Yet Panga said PEZA sees opportunities as firms prepare for an eventual economic recovery.
“For this year, we are targeting P300 billion in investments,” he said, describing the goal as conservative compared with PEZA’s average 23 percent growth over the past three years.
Investment approvals already hit roughly P100 billion in the first quarter, reinforcing the agency’s confidence. Historically, around 60 percent of PEZA investments come from companies expanding existing operations.
Panga also highlighted the benefits of the “China+1+1” strategy, noting that multinational firms are increasingly using the Philippines as a manufacturing and distribution hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
