MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) saw investment approvals drop by 57 percent in January from a year ago, but the agency hopes to attract more investments through efforts to improve ease of doing business.
In a statement, PEZA said it approved P12.86 billion worth of investments for 18 projects in January, down from P30.16 billion in the same month last year.
The approved investments are expected to generate $59.74 million in exports and 1,005 jobs.
The newly approved projects cover 13 locator enterprises and five ecozone developers.
Projects approved include three big-ticket projects.
In particular, PEZA approved the registration of a P5-billion tourism ecozone enterprise in Parañaque.
Also approved were two ecozone development projects located in Misamis Occidental and Batangas, with a combined estimated investment of P5.9 billion.
The ecozone developments are expected to expand PEZA’s registered land bank in the regions and ensure the availability of industrial and commercial spaces for export-oriented enterprises seeking locations outside Metro Manila.
Investments approved by PEZA can enjoy incentives including income tax holidays.
Despite the drop in investment approvals in January, PEZA sees the current environment as a period of measured adjustment rather than withdrawal.
PEZA said investors continue to be interested in the Philippine market, but are taking a more thoughtful approach.
“Resilience is built not just in times of expansion, but in how economies navigate transition. What we are seeing today is a steady recalibration – one that keeps the Philippines firmly in investors’ long-term plans,” PEZA director general Tereso Panga said.
Looking ahead, PEZA will continue to push for policy stability and ease of doing business to sustain investor confidence.
“We are realistic about the environment, but we are equally confident in our direction. With a robust pipeline and consistent investor engagement, PEZA is well-positioned to work toward achieving our target for this year,” Panga said.
PEZA is aiming to approve P300 billion worth of investments and generate 100,000 new jobs for this year.
Last year, PEZA approved P260.89 billion worth of investments.
