Peza-approved investments fell by 57% in January
The value of investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) fell by more than half in the first month of 2026.
The agency gave the green light to 18 projects worth a combined P12.86 billion.
The amount was 57.36 percent lower than the P30.16 billion recorded in January 2025.
In terms of jobs expected to be generated, the number plunged to 1,005 from 3,270 jobs.
Despite the drop in investment value, Peza said the projects are expected to generate greater export revenues of $59.74 million. That is 85.64 percent higher than $32.18 million in January 2025.
“By encouraging investments that are export-oriented and geographically diverse, we are strengthening the foundations for inclusive growth and ensuring that more regions benefit from global trade and economic opportunities,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque. She also serves as chair the Peza Board.
For 2026, Peza is targeting to approve P300 billion worth of investments.
That would mark a 14.99-percent increase from the P260.89 billion approved last year.
The agency also aims to raise job generation to 100,000 from 78,741 in 2025.
Of the 18 approved projects, seven are in manufacturing and five are ecozone development ventures. Two are in the information technology and business process management sector.
Domestic ventures, utilities, logistics and tourism accounted for one project each.
Among the three major investments approved was a tourism enterprise in Parañaque City, worth more than P5 billion.
Peza said it would help boost high-value urban tourism, hospitality and services exports within ecozones.
Two other big-ticket projects, located in Misamis Occidental and Batangas, have a combined investment of P5.9 billion. These involve land banks and industrial and commercial spaces for export-oriented enterprises.
“Investors today are taking a more deliberate approach—prioritizing resilience, efficiency and long-term value,” Peza Director General Tereso Panga said.
“What is encouraging is that the Philippines continues to offer stable fundamentals that allow export-oriented investments to move forward with confidence,” Panga said.
While most projects are located in Luzon, only three will operate in Metro Manila. Ten projects will be in Calabarzon, two in Central Visayas, and one project each in the regions of Bicol, Northern Mindanao and Soccskargen.
Japan-based firms led the investment mix with P296.94 million. This was followed by those based in the Netherlands with P218.31 million, Hong Kong with P177.03 million, Singapore with P110.39 million and China with P48.52 million.
