The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has secured PhP 12.86 billion in new investments for January 2026, approving 18 projects expected to generate US$59.74 million in exports and create 1,005 jobs, signaling strong continued investor confidence in the country’s export-oriented economy.
The approvals, from the first Board meeting of the year led by Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Cristina Roque, comprise 13 new locator enterprises and five ecozone developers. PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga stated the approvals reflect a “steady recalibration” by investors who are prioritizing long-term resilience and efficiency in the Philippines’ stable investment climate.
Geographic and Sectoral Diversity Highlight Approvals
The new projects demonstrate a deliberate spread beyond traditional hubs, with investments flowing into CALABARZON (Laguna, Cavite, Batangas), the National Capital Region (Parañaque, Quezon City, Marikina), and key regional sites like Cebu, Camarines Sur, Misamis Occidental, and General Santos City. Japan emerged as the top source of approved investments for the month, with additional capital from the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China.
Large-Scale Projects Anchor Development Pipeline
January’s approvals were bolstered by three major ventures:
A more than PhP 5 billion tourism ecozone enterprise in Parañaque City aimed at boosting high-value urban tourism and services exports.
Two ecozone development projects in Misamis Occidental and Batangas, with a combined estimated investment of PhP 5.9 billion, designed to expand PEZA’s regional land bank for future industrial and commercial spaces.
Confident Outlook for 2026
Officials framed the robust start as a foundation for achieving PEZA’s ambitious full-year targets. “With a robust pipeline and consistent investor engagement, PEZA is well-positioned to work toward achieving our target for this year,” Director General Panga said. The agency is targeting PhP 300 billion in investments and 100,000 new jobs for 2026.
Secretary Roque emphasized the strategic direction, stating, “By encouraging investments that are export-oriented and geographically diverse, we are strengthening the foundations for inclusive growth.” PEZA reiterates its focus on maintaining policy stability and competitiveness to sustain investor momentum throughout the year.#
