DTI: Investment Approvals Hit PHP 3.54 Trillion

1 of 2

The Philippines has approved PHP 3.54 trillion worth of investments under the Marcos administration, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), marking a 70.64% surge compared to the same period under the previous government.

The data, covering July 2022 to April 2025, highlights record-breaking annual approvals by the Board of Investments (BOI), peaking at PHP 1.62 trillion in 2024—its highest in 57 years—largely driven by renewable energy projects.

“These record-breaking figures are a testament to the Philippines’ sound investment policies and enduring appeal as a regional hub,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“But even more importantly, they reflect the strong leadership and clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a strong, innovation-driven economy anchored on high-quality investments that generate jobs, enhance infrastructure, and elevate our global competitiveness,” she added.

The PHP 3.54 trillion in investment pledges are expected to create 147,304 jobs across various sectors, further reinforcing the administration’s focus on inclusive growth.

Roque emphasized that the administration is not just pursuing numbers, but also “meaningful transformation” through strategic policymaking and whole-of-government coordination.

The DTI acknowledged that investment approvals in 2025 have slowed, attributing the trend to project implementation cycles and external challenges such as tighter global financial conditions and geopolitical uncertainty.

“It is important to understand the nature of strategic investments,” Roque said, citing large-scale projects such as offshore wind farms and logistics corridors that require long planning and execution phases.

While foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have fluctuated from 2022 to 2025, the manufacturing, real estate, and ICT sectors have remained top destinations, with manufacturing consistently recording the highest share.

The DTI noted that the dip in FDIs mirrors a global pattern, as reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, amid trade tensions and evolving supply chain strategies.

The ongoing US-China trade war and renewed reciprocal tariffs in the United States have also influenced investment behavior, particularly in the IT-BPM sector, although direct operational impacts remain limited.

Despite AI-driven automation risks, Roque said artificial intelligence presents “opportunities for upskilling and innovation,” especially in complex industries like electronics, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and finance.

To promote the Philippines globally, the BOI launched the CREATE MORE Roadshows in March 2025, beginning in Makati and soon expanding to Cebu and Davao to showcase the benefits of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE MORE) Act.

In April, the BOI also led the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul, South Korea—the first in a series of investment missions targeting key global markets.

The BOI is finalizing the 2025 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which outlines investment priorities aligned with national goals such as digital transformation, energy security, and climate resilience.

To improve investor confidence and efficiency, Executive Order No. 18 established “Green Lanes” in 2023 to fast-track permits for strategic projects. As of May 27, 2025, 208 projects have been certified, with 78% focused on renewable energy, amounting to PHP 5.2 trillion in investment value.

“The DTI, through the BOI, remains committed to accelerating inclusive, innovation-led growth through sound policy, transparent governance, and a globally competitive business environment,” Roque said.