The Board of Investments has approved P461.84 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2026, mainly in renewable energy and real estate sectors. This represents a 21% increase from the P382.24 billion recorded in the same period last year. The approved investments are expected to create 14,415 local jobs.
The January-June pledges account for nearly half or 46% of the Board of Investments' P1-trillion investment target for 2026. The energy sector, particularly renewable energy, accounted for the largest share of approvals at P343.47 billion or 74.25% of the total.
Investments in real estate activities, air and water transport, mining and quarrying, hotel, tourism and accommodation projects, and manufacturing also received significant approvals. These sectors are expected to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for Filipinos.
The increase in approved projects reflects investors' sustained confidence in the country amid geopolitical uncertainties. The government's reform policies and the country's recent attainment of upper-middle income country status have contributed to the positive investment climate.
The Department of Trade and Industry has implemented policy support and facilitation measures to guide investments from approval to implementation. These measures include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments.
Domestic investments surged by 41% to P447.32 billion as of end-June, with the Cordillera Administrative Region posting the highest level of investment pledges. Foreign investments stood at P14.16 billion, with Singapore as the top foreign source.
Economic experts have noted that the surge in investment approvals amid geopolitical risks shows that investors are prioritizing projects with long-term prospects. However, there is a need to intensify efforts to attract more investments in high-value manufacturing to cushion the economy against external shocks.
Expanding the country's manufacturing base would strengthen economic resilience, diversify sources of growth, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. The updated Strategic Investment Priority Plan is critical in ensuring that the investment target is met and that the country remains an attractive destination for strategic and high-impact investments.
