PEZA-Approved Investments Hit ₱154.7 Billion at End-September, Led by Surge in Japanese Pledges

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) achieved ₱154.70 billion worth of total approved investments from January to September 2025, reflecting a 33.50 percent jump from ₱115.89 billion in the same period last year.

The volume and value of approvals demonstrate enduring investor confidence in the Philippines and represent a strong signal that the agency is on track for a record-breaking year. (Photo: Science Park of the Philippines, Inc.)

A total of 215 projects were approved in the first nine months of 2025, up 20.11 percent from 179 projects in 2024.

These projects are set to create 50,430 direct jobs and are expected to generate US$4.49 billion in exports, PEZA said.

The manufacturing sector remains the backbone of the agency’s growth, with notable gains in electronics (EMS-SMS), automotive and auto parts, and food processing.

PEZA said these industries collectively contributed more than ₱42.4 billion in approvals from January to September 2025, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a vital hub for advanced and diversified manufacturing in Asia.

In September alone, PEZA approved ₱48.869 billion worth of investments across 36 new and expansion projects, expected to generate 10,312 direct jobs and US$1.113 billion in projected exports.

These projects span strategic sectors, including 16 in export manufacturing, nine in IT-BPM, five ecozone developments, three facilities, two logistics ventures, and one domestic-market activity.

The investments are strategically spread across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions I, III, IV-A, V, VII, and XI.

Of these 36 ventures cleared in September, eight were big-ticket projects amounting to ₱44.805 billion.

Meanwhile, Japan reemerged as the country's top investing nationality, with ₱14.778 billion in new and expansion projects — accounting for 9.55 percent of PEZA’s total approved investments.

This rebound firmly puts Japan back on top as PEZA’s leading investment partner, reaffirming its long-standing role as a driver of Philippine industrial growth and innovation.

At the forefront of Japan's renewed pledges is the registration of a domestic market enterprise in Tarlac City for the manufacture of food products and processed foods inside the Tari Estate.

This flagship food processing facility, valued at over ₱9.1 billion, is set to cater to both domestic and export markets and help drive industrial growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Cristina A. Roque emphasized the government’s drive to sustain the country’s investment momentum.

“DTI is advancing a more competitive Philippines. Every ecozone and enterprise approval means new jobs, broader trade opportunities, and stronger industries. These investments reinforce our position as a premier hub in Asia and affirm that the Philippines is fast becoming the destination of choice for global industries,” she said.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga stressed that the volume and value of approvals demonstrate enduring investor confidence in the Philippines and represent a strong signal that the agency is on track for a record-breaking year.

“Backed by sustained momentum and robust investment activity, we are on track to attain our ₱250 billion goal and strengthen our standing as a leading investment destination in Asia,” he said.

He added that the strong pipeline reflects “healthy, robust investor confidence,” noting that the agency’s expanded regional engagements are set to unlock even greater investments and drive stronger growth in the final quarter of 2025.

Panga also highlighted that Japan’s return as the country's leading partner reflects the results of the government’s investment missions and collaborations with key stakeholders.

“With nearly 10% of this year’s total project approvals coming from Japanese companies, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and highly competitive hub in Asia,” he added.