The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) began the second half of the year on a high note, with investment approvals surging by 100 percent by the end of July, amid growing confidence in the country as an investment hub.

In a statement, PEZA said it has approved ₱90.96 billion worth of investment pledges from January to June, more than doubling the ₱45.48 billion approved during the same period last year.

These pledges, which will eventually materialize into actual investments, cover 150 new and expansion projects. This is a 25 percent increase from the 120 approved projects last year.

Nearly half of the projects are expected to rise in Calabarzon, which is home to several PEZA economic zones.

The agency estimates that these projects will create nearly 36,000 jobs and generate around $2 billion in projected export revenues.

The approvals include nine big-ticket projects that will bring in ₱63.99 billion worth of investments.

The manufacturing sector attracted the highest number of investment pledges, with 66 projects approved by PEZA.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said the continued surge in investment approvals this year affirms the confidence of investors in the Philippines.

“Investors are scaling up in our ecozones because they recognize our stable policies, world-class talent, and our whole-of-government commitment to building smarter, greener, and more inclusive growth centers across the country,” he said.

As an investment promotion agency, PEZA offers incentives to qualified investors, which leads to forgone revenues for the government.

In exchange, the government anticipates that these projects will spur economic activity, create jobs, and boost export revenues.

For July alone, PEZA approved 17 projects worth ₱18.59 billion, up 101 percent from ₱9.24 billion during the same month in 2024.

Aside from Metro Manila, these projects are in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas.

“Countryside ecozone development remains a core PEZA mission—we are bringing opportunities to the countryside, ensuring growth reaches every region,” said Panga.

PEZA approved its ninth big-ticket project in July, with an investment pledge of ₱13.1 billion for an advanced manufacturing facility in Batangas.

The facility will focus on the manufacturing of computers, electronics, optical products, semiconductor devices, and other electronic components, all of which will be exported to the United States (US).

With a strong performance in the first seven months of the year, PEZA is confident in its target to top its approved investments of ₱214.18 billion last year by nine to 10 percent.

The agency looks to harness the demand from global manufacturers seeking a reliable China+1+1 location amid the US’ tariff policy for continued growth throughout the rest of the year.

China+1+1 refers to the strategy of companies that maintain their operations in China while expanding to other Asian markets.

“Global companies are repositioning, and the Philippines is ready to seize these opportunities,” said Panga.

“Through our mission of ecozoning the country, we are not just matching investors with ready sites—we are building inclusive and sustainable growth corridors that translate to jobs, exports, and shared prosperity,” he added.

With the US slashing the tariff rate against the Philippines from 20 percent to 19 percent, Panga said this is a step forward in strengthening trade ties and expanding market access between the two countries.

Apart from the reciprocal trade agreement, he is optimistic that this would pave the path for the renewal of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the start of free trade agreement negotiations.