PEZA investment approvals surge to %u20B152.93B, on track for 2025 growth target

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recorded %u20B152.93 billion in approved investments as of February 2025, marking a 337.58% increase from the %u20B112.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga emphasized that the surge in investments reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting various industries and accelerating economic growth. “PEZA’s rising investments highlight its role in attracting high-value projects that drive regional economic progress and strengthen the nation’s industrial landscape,” Panga said.

Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Cristina Aldeguer-Roque credited the CREATE MORE Act for the improved investment climate. “This legislation is a game-changer for foreign direct investments, offering longer incentive packages that make the Philippines an even more attractive business destination,” she said.

Record-High Growth in Approvals

PEZA approved 39 new and expansion projects in the first two months of 2025, reflecting a 39.29% rise from the same period last year. These projects are expected to generate 11,063 direct jobs, representing a 209.02% increase year-on-year.

A significant portion of the new investments came from domestic market enterprises (DME), which accounted for %u20B137.97 billion or 71% of total approvals. Since 2024, PEZA has approved 15 DME projects totaling over %u20B1130 billion in investments, with three projects qualifying for extended incentives due to their scale.

Major Investments and Regional Expansion

During its February board meeting, PEZA approved 26 new and expansion projects worth %u20B122.78 billion, projected to generate $241.79 million in exports and create 7,793 direct jobs. These projects cover a range of industries, including nine export manufacturing projects, eight IT-BPM ventures, three domestic market projects, two facility development initiatives, and four ecozone developments.

Two major projects stand out among the latest approvals. A South Korean-led ecozone development worth %u20B110.45 billion in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will accommodate multiple industries, including manufacturing, agro-industrial, tourism, and IT services. This aligns with the recently implemented Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), paving the way for more South Korean companies to invest in Philippine ecozones.

CREATE MORE Act to Attract More Investors

With the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the CREATE MORE Act on Feb. 17, PEZA anticipates an even stronger influx of investments.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go emphasized the IRR’s role in fostering investment-led growth. “The IRR remains true to CREATE MORE’s objective of generating investments and creating jobs for Filipinos,” Go said.

Panga added that the IRR aligns with PEZA’s mandate to drive sustainable development. “With enhanced incentives, we now provide even greater benefits for investors looking to establish operations in the Philippines,” he said.

As investment approvals continue to climb, PEZA remains focused on positioning the Philippines as a premier investment destination, ensuring long-term economic resilience and industrial competitiveness.