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The Philippine Economic Zone Authority kicked off 2026 with a significant capital infusion, greenlighting P45.525 billion in investments during the year’s first quarter
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PEZA is shifting toward large-scale industrial hubs, with just 10 “big-ticket” projects accounting for over P36 billion of the Q1 total—a move projected to generate US$10.865 billion in export revenues and 8,500 new jobs
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March recorded a 68.93% month-on-month leap in investment value, driven by 26 projects—including high-impact ventures in solar energy, aviation MRO, and infrastructure—that solidify CALABARZON’s industrial dominance while advancing PEZA’s push for broader regional development
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Despite rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions, PEZA remains confident in hitting its annual targets by leveraging the Philippines’ historical economic resilience and attracting “long-term” investors who are prepared for market fluctuations
Despite a tightening global economy and mounting geopolitical friction, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) kicked off 2026 with a significant capital infusion, greenlighting P45.525 billion in investments during the year’s first quarter.
The figure, finalized following a March 30 board meeting, represents the collective value of 78 new and expanding projects, the agency said in a statement. This marks an 18.18% jump in approved projects compared to the same period in 2025, signaling a robust appetite for Philippine industrial space even as international markets grapple with energy spikes and supply chain instability.
PEZA officials noted a distinct pivot toward “high-value” activities. The first-quarter approvals are expected to generate US$10.865 billion in export revenues and create nearly 8,500 direct jobs.
Manufacturing remains the bedrock of this growth, accounting for 30 of the 78 projects. However, a significant portion of the capital is concentrated in “big-ticket” ventures. Ten major projects alone contributed over P36 billion to the total, suggesting that large-scale industrial players are doubling down on the Philippines as a long-term logistics and production hub.
The momentum hit a high note in March, which saw a 68.93% month-on-month surge in investment value. The board approved 26 projects during the month, headlined by four strategic developments:
- Renewable Energy: A solar cell manufacturing plant in Batangas
- Aviation: An aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Pasay
- Infrastructure: A new ecozone development in Naga and specialized facility services in Cavite
Regionally, CALABARZON (Region IV-A) continues to dominate the industrial landscape, securing 14 of the projects approved in March. However, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga emphasized that the agency is successfully pushing for “balanced regional development,” with new activity trickling into the Visayas and Mindanao.
The positive quarterly report comes at a time of significant external pressure. Rising oil prices and tensions in critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about manufacturing overhead.
Addressing these “global headwinds,” director general Panga maintained an optimistic but pragmatic stance. He suggested that the Philippines is attracting a specific breed of “long-term” investor—those who prepare for market volatility rather than reacting to it.
“Looking back at our 30-year history, we have seen these boom-and-bust cycles before,” Panga stated. “Through each challenge, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to recover and grow.”
