PEZA nears record as 2025 investments top PHP 207B

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is on track to surpass its 2024 investment performance after approving PHP 207.577 billion worth of projects from January to November 2025, signaling strong investor confidence amid a turbulent global environment.

The figure already exceeds the PHP 201.55 billion recorded during the same period last year and reflects a 2.99 percent year-on-year growth.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the performance highlights the resilience of the ecozone industry despite external shocks and global investment headwinds.

“Even amid external shocks and a challenging global investment climate, the ecozone industry remains undeterred,” Panga said.

“Our consistent growth reflects the trust of investors in the Philippines’ competitiveness, coupled with PEZA’s brand of service. We will continue to champion measures that strengthen our investment ecosystem and position the country as a prime hub for sustainable, technology-driven, and resilient industries.”

A total of 281 new and expansion projects were approved in the first 11 months of 2025, up from 239 in 2024—a 17.57 percent increase.

These projects are expected to generate USD 7.39 billion in exports and create 69,737 direct jobs for Filipinos.

Japan remains the top source of PEZA-approved foreign investments, followed by the Cayman Islands, South Korea, China, Singapore, the United States, and others.

Domestic market-oriented investments surged to PHP 110.733 billion, driven by enhanced collaboration with local government units to unlock regional economic opportunities.

In November alone, PEZA approved 38 new and expansion projects worth PHP 32.211 billion. These are expected to yield USD 1.741 billion in exports and create 9,802 new jobs.

Of the 38 projects, 22 are in export manufacturing, five in facilities development, four in the IT-BPM sector, three in ecozone logistics service enterprise (ELSE), two in domestic market-oriented activities, and two in ecozone development.

These projects will be located across eight regions: CALABARZON (Region IV-A), National Capital Region, Central Luzon (III), Ilocos Region (I), Bicol Region (V), Central Visayas (VII), Northern Mindanao (X), and Davao Region (XI).

The regional spread aligns with PEZA’s push for balanced economic development across the country.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Maria Cristina A. Roque lauded the performance, noting that key projects are driving the momentum.

“Despite the headwinds, there is a bright light in PEZA as they’re about to breach their 2024 performance,” Roque said.

She highlighted the approval of five big-ticket projects worth PHP 27.261 billion, including four for electronics and pharmaceutical manufacturing and one for ecozone development.

These will be located in Camarines Norte, Laguna, Tarlac, and Batangas.

“Investment acquisition is on stream as we enter 2026,” Roque added. “We remain bullish on the upcoming investment prospects in the country as we create more ecozones.”

PEZA’s growth reflects its strategic targeting of emerging industries and active global investor engagement, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of economic stability and growth in the Philippines.