UMVA has learned that a surge in investment pledges approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in May has been driven by an increase in export-oriented manufacturing and information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) projects.
The PEZA Board approved 31 projects valued at P15.41 billion, a staggering 446.89% jump from the P2.82-billion approved in May 2025. This significant increase is expected to generate $364.73 million in exports, a substantial boost to the country's economy.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the approved projects are diverse, with 16 being export manufacturing enterprises, seven IT-BPM projects, two domestic market enterprises, two economic zone developments, two logistics enterprises, one facilities enterprise, and one tourism enterprise. This variety of projects is expected to create a ripple effect, stimulating growth across multiple sectors.
The majority of the projects will be located in the Calabarzon Region, with 16 projects, followed by the National Capital Region with six projects, and Central Luzon with two projects. Other regions, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato, will each have three projects, while Iloilo will have one.
In the first five months of the year, PEZA approved 135 new and expansion projects worth P124.84 billion, up 88% from the P66.34-billion approved last year. This impressive growth brings the agency's investment approvals to 41.61% of its P300-billion target for 2026, a significant milestone.
The approved projects are expected to generate $2.97 billion in exports and 20,012 jobs, a substantial contribution to the country's economy and workforce. The investments came from investors based mainly in the Netherlands, South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan, demonstrating sustained confidence in the Philippines as a strategic location for business expansion.
PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga noted that investors continue to see the Philippines as a prime location for business expansion, despite global economic uncertainties. He expressed cautious optimism about reaching the P300-billion target, citing potential risks such as geopolitical tensions and local political concerns.
The recent approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) aligns with PEZA's aim to attract projects that support export growth and industrial upgrading. The SIPP identifies key economic activities that may qualify for incentives, including modern agriculture, state-of-the-art construction, and climate-related initiatives.
The updated SIPP is expected to deepen the country's trade relationships with its ASEAN neighbors, particularly in AI supply chains, and attract projects that leverage advanced technologies, strengthen local industries, and boost export capability. With this strategic plan in place, PEZA is poised to drive growth and position the Philippines as a destination for high-value, technology-driven, and sustainable industries.
