The Board of Investments (BOI) is nearing the halfway mark of its P1-trillion investment approval target for 2026 after first-half approvals climbed 21 percent, signaling that policy reforms and a steady pipeline of renewable energy projects continue to attract capital despite global economic headwinds.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the BOI approved P461.84 billion worth of investments from January to June, up from P382.24 billion a year earlier. The 124 approved projects are expected to generate 14,415 direct jobs, reinforcing the agency’s role in translating investment commitments into employment and industrial expansion.
Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Cristina Roque said the results demonstrate sustained investor confidence in the Philippines and the Marcos administration’s economic reforms.
“The strong growth in DTI-BOI-approved investments reflects investors’ confidence in the Philippines and in the Marcos Jr. administration’s reform policies. We are making it easier to invest, expand, and do business in the country. Our focus now is to turn these investment commitments into operating projects that create quality jobs, strengthen industries, and deliver lasting opportunities for Filipinos,” Roque said.
Renewable energy remained the biggest investment magnet, accounting for P343.47 billion, or 74.25 percent of total approvals.
The concentration of investments in clean energy reflects the country’s growing push to expand power capacity while meeting sustainability goals. Other major investment destinations included real estate, air and water transport, mining and quarrying, tourism, and manufacturing.
Domestic investors drove the surge, with approved local investments jumping 41 percent to P447.32 billion. The Cordillera Administrative Region attracted the largest share at P150.40 billion, followed by Ilocos with P144.13 billion, the National Capital Region with P48.78 billion, and Central Luzon with P33.55 billion.
Foreign investment approvals reached P14.16 billion, led by Singapore, followed by China, the US, Australia and Japan.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said reforms such as CREATE MORE, the 2026-2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments are making the Philippines more competitive through clearer incentives and faster approvals.
With nearly half of its annual target already secured by midyear, the BOI is banking on these reforms and a strong investment pipeline to sustain momentum in the second half and convert approvals into factories, infrastructure and long-term jobs.
