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Approved foreign investments in the Philippines grew by 52.3% to P42.64 billion in the first quarter of 2026, primarily driven by P25.37 billion in pledges from South Korea
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Central Luzon emerged as the primary investment destination with a 77.6% share
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By sector the arts, entertainment, and recreation got the biggest share at 24.4% or P10.38 billion
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Despite a rise in foreign interest, total combined investments from Filipino and foreign nationals fell 30.8% to P125.95 billion, with Filipino contributions making up 66.1% of the total
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Expected employment from approved projects fell 31.9% year-on-year to 21,623 jobs, with 13,108 of those positions (60.6%) projected to come from foreign-interest projects
Approved foreign investments in the Philippines reached P42.64 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 52.3% from P27.99 billion in the same period last year, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
South Korea accounted for almost 60% of the investment pledges at P25.37 billion. Singapore and China followed with contributions of P3.18 billion (7.5 percent) and P2.54 billion (5.9 percent), respectively.
The region of Central Luzon received the largest share, totaling P33.08 billion, which accounts for 77.6% of the quarter’s total. The Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (CALABARZON) Region followed with P3.00 billion (7%), while the National Capital Region received P2.13 billion (5%).
By sector, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector received the highest amount at P10.38 billion. The manufacturing industry followed at P9.08 billion, and accommodation and food service activities totaled P9.07 billion.
While foreign investment rose, total approved investments from both foreign and Filipino nationals dropped 30.8% to P125.95 billion from P181.97 billion year on year. Filipino nationals contributed P83.31 billion, or 66.1%.
Across all investment types, projects related to electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply accounted for the largest share at P29.58 billion or 23.5%. This was followed by accommodation and food service activities at P24.03 billion and manufacturing at P21.89 billion.
Projects approved in the first quarter are projected to generate 21,623 jobs, a 31.9% decrease compared to the 31,758 jobs expected in the same period last year.
Approximately 60.6% of the projected employment, or 13,108 jobs, is expected from projects with foreign interest.
Investment approvals for the period were reported by seven of the 15 Investment Promotion Agencies, including the Board of Investments, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
READ: PH approved investments down 2% in 2025, foreign ventures fall 50%
