PEZA Approves ₱63B Investments, Eyes Stronger FDI Growth

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has approved ₱63.52 billion worth of investments from January to April 2025, more than double the figure from the same period last year, signaling strong investor confidence and continued foreign direct investment (FDI) interest in the Philippines.

In a statement issued on April 29, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the agency remains “bullish” on the country’s FDI prospects amid geopolitical uncertainties and shifting global supply chains.

“PEZA’s continued upward trajectory reflects our strong commitment towards investment promotion and facilitation,” Panga said.

“This momentum reflects renewed investor confidence in the Philippines as a resilient and globally competitive destination,” he added.

In April alone, the PEZA Board, chaired by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, approved 20 new and expansion projects valued at ₱4.575 billion.

These projects are expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and generate over US$300 million in export revenues.

The 20 approved projects span key sectors such as export manufacturing (7), IT-business process management (5), facilities (4), utilities (2), logistics (1), and domestic market (1).

They will be located across several regions, including Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas.

The total ₱63.52 billion in approved investments in the first four months of 2025 marks a 112.06% increase from the ₱29.96 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

A total of 86 new and expansion projects are expected to create more than 20,000 direct jobs for Filipino workers.

South Korean investors topped the list of foreign investment sources, followed by American, Chinese, Japanese, Hong Kong, and Singaporean companies.

PEZA attributes this surge to the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea and the growing appeal of the Philippines under the region’s evolving “China+2” investment strategy.

Coinciding with the April board meeting in Baguio City, PEZA officials also joined the topping-off and final beam signing ceremony for the new Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) Multipurpose Center.

The two-level facility, which is 62% complete, will house office spaces, training areas, and recreational venues for BCEZ and its locators.

The center, located on a 1,098-square-meter lot, is scheduled to be operational by the third quarter of 2025.

PEZA Board members and executives also visited the sites of two major locators—Foundever Philippines Corporation and MOOG Controls Corporation—within the BCEZ.

Foundever, formerly known as Sitel, has significantly expanded since its 2021 acquisition of Sykes Asia and currently operates across various IT parks in the country.

The company has invested over ₱4 billion in the Philippines and directly employs more than 30,000 Filipinos.

Foundever reaffirmed its commitment to grow its Philippine operations, which account for 80% of its global output, and pledged to help upskill local talent as the IT-BPM industry transitions to increased use of artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, MOOG, one of the top American registered business enterprises (RBEs) in the BCEZ, manufactures and assembles servo components and actuators for aviation and industrial applications.

The company has also invested over ₱4 billion in its Philippine operations and employs more than 1,500 workers.

During the visit, MOOG signed a Supplemental Agreement with PEZA for the construction of a new facility at the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac.

PEZA officials also toured Superl Philippines Inc. (SPI), located in Angeles Industrial Park in Pampanga.

SPI, a manufacturer of leather and imitation leather products, operates its largest global manufacturing facility in Pampanga and employs over 3,000 workers.

The company has invested more than ₱60 million in its Philippine operations.

“With the current global trade volatilities and uncertainty in the supply chain, we have been receiving more queries about the Philippines and even welcoming several inbound delegations exploring investment opportunities within the ecozones,” said Panga.

“We are bullish that more investors will look at the Philippines for the expansion or even transfer of their offshore operations in the coming months,” he added.

PEZA continues to emphasize its commitment to strengthening investment attraction and facilitation, while enhancing ease of doing business within ecozones to ensure the Philippines remains a top investment destination in Asia.