PEZA hits 72% of P300-billion investment pledges target for 2026

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Tuesday said it approved P216.46 billion worth of investment commitments in the first eight months of 2026.

In a news release, PEZA said the January to August approved investment pledges amount to 72.16% of its P300-billion target for 2026.

The 196 new and expansion projects approved during this period are up 9.50% from 179 projects in the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, the P216.466 billion approved investment pledges was 104.53% higher from P105.834 billion a year ago.

PEZA said the approved projects are projected to generate $6.604 billion in exports and create 26,994 direct jobs nationwide.

Manufacturing accounted for 80 of the 196 approved projects during the period, followed by 31 ecozone development projects, 30 IT-BPM, 19 facilities, 15 logistics, 15 export-oriented projects for domestic market, four tourism, and two utilities, “reflecting the diverse range of industries expanding and establishing operations within Philippine economic zones.”

The agency added that 161 of these projects are to be located in Luzon, 23 will be created in the Visayas, and 12 in Mindanao, “supporting PEZA's push for more balanced regional development while reinforcing established industrial corridors.”

PEZA, moreover, said 34 of the projects were classified as “big-ticket” investments worth a combined P193.713 billion, reflecting sustained investor confidence in large-scale, long-term operations in the country.

For August alone, the agency approved 22 new and expansion projects worth P64.565 billion, up 334.13% from P14.872 billion approved in August 2025.

“Reaching more than 72% of PEZA’s annual target in only eight months shows that investor confidence in the Philippines is translating into real commitments. Our job now is to move these projects forward quickly and ensure their benefits reach more Filipino workers and communities,” said PEZA chairman and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

For his part, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said, “These results are a clear vote of confidence in the Philippines’ capacity to compete for high-value investments. With P216.46 Billion already approved, we are building stronger production and export capabilities, creating more jobs, and deepening our integration into global value chains.” — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA News