Gov’t fast-tracks P5.17-T strategic investments via green lane

The Philippine government has expedited the processing of permits and licenses for 203 strategic investment projects worth %u20B15.17 trillion through its green lane initiative, the Board of Investments (BOI) reported Tuesday.

BOI Chief Investments Officer Lubin De Vera Jr. said during the Data Center Association of the Philippines Executive Summit in Makati City that the projects were facilitated through Executive Order (EO) 18, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in February 2023.

The investments are expected to generate more than 301,000 jobs nationwide and span key sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and food security.

"These projects are not just numbers—they represent real opportunities for employment, sustainable growth, and increased investor confidence in the Philippines," De Vera said.

Leading the pack are renewable energy (RE) projects, with 159 initiatives totaling %u20B14.75 trillion in investments and creating 269,751 jobs. This aligns with the government’s goal of ramping up clean energy adoption and transitioning to a more sustainable power grid.

Digital infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) ventures followed, with nine major projects valued at %u20B1364.88 billion, projected to employ over 20,000 workers. The sector has gained momentum amid growing demand for data connectivity and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, the green lane program has also supported four large-scale manufacturing projects worth %u20B136.91 billion and 31 food security projects totaling %u20B118.7 billion—aimed at addressing President Marcos’ push for a more resilient agricultural sector.

Of the total investments cleared under the program, %u20B11.66 trillion are backed by foreign investors, signaling sustained international interest in Philippine infrastructure and development projects.

EO 18 mandates all national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to establish a “green lane” mechanism, expediting processes for projects deemed strategic to national development. The BOI’s One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments is tasked with issuing green lane certificates to qualified ventures.

The initiative is part of the administration’s broader drive to attract high-impact investments, cut red tape, and maintain the Philippines’ competitiveness as a regional investment hub.