The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved nearly ₱152 billion in investment pledges in the first seven months of the year, driven by the strong performance of the country’s economic zones despite global and local headwinds.

In a statement on Friday, July 24, PEZA reported greenlighting ₱151.9 billion in investments from January to July, a 67 percent surge from the ₱90.96 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The approved capital covers 174 new and expansion projects expected to generate 26,047 direct jobs.

Combined, these projects are projected to generate $5.91 billion in export value, nearly tripling the $2 billion estimate from a year ago.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga attributed the increase to the continued appeal of Philippine ecozones to foreign and local investors aiming to expand their global footprint.

“The first seven months of 2026 demonstrate that investor confidence in the Philippines remains strong,” Panga said. “These are the kinds of investments that generate quality jobs, strengthen our export sector, and deepen the Philippines' participation in global value chains.”

The export-oriented manufacturing sector accounted for the bulk of approvals, comprising 76 projects or 44 percent of the total. Netherlands-based firms topped foreign investments during the period, followed by those from South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Germany.

To secure fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, streamlined administrative processes, and strategic infrastructure support, investors routinely register their developments with promotion agencies like PEZA.

For July alone, PEZA approvals dropped 40 percent to ₱11.21 billion from ₱18.60 billion in July 2025. Despite the month-on-month dip, projected export revenues from July approvals skyrocketed by 241 percent to $2.54 billion, up from $744 million a year earlier.

“These figures tell us that, despite economic headwinds both locally and abroad, today's investments are increasingly moving back toward more export-intensive and higher-value operations,” Panga noted.

Having achieved over half of its full-year target, PEZA remains bullish about its trajectory through the second half of 2026, even amid lingering trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

The agency is aiming for ₱300 billion in approved investment pledges this year—a 15 percent jump from 2025’s ₱260.89 billion.

“As global companies continue to diversify their operations and strengthen supply chain resilience, PEZA is well-positioned to convert these opportunities into new investments, quality jobs, higher exports, and long-term industrial growth for the country,” Panga added.