PH ecozones keep drawing investors as PEZA logs ₱45.52B in Q1 approvals

How 78 new projects in solar, aircraft maintenance, and IT-BPM are reshaping the Philippine export landscape.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) secured ₱45.52 billion in investments in the first quarter, covering 78 new and expansion projects, reinforcing sustained interest in Philippine ecozones despite a volatile global backdrop.

The total value is down from last year’s ₱58.95 billion, but the increase in project count from 66 to 78 points to a more active and expanding pipeline. The mix also leans toward scale, exports, and longer-term operations rather than just headline investment size.

Jobs and exports: The high-value shift

These projects are projected to generate $10.86 billion in exports and 8,496 direct jobs, reflecting a growing concentration in higher-value, export-oriented activities. Manufacturing led approvals with 30 projects, followed by ecozone development, IT-BPM, facilities, logistics, tourism, and utilities—highlighting both industrial depth and the steady build-out of support infrastructure.

Geographically, most investments remained concentrated in Luzon, though PEZA continues to push for more balanced regional development, with projects also recorded in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Investor interest remains diversified, with firms from South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, and the British Virgin Islands among those driving activity. Notably, 10 big-ticket projects worth over ₱36 billion accounted for a significant share of approvals, signaling continued preference for large-scale, high-impact ventures aligned with global supply chains.

A strong march finish

March alone delivered a strong finish to the quarter, with ₱10.16 billion in approved investments across 26 projects. Investment value jumped nearly 69 percent month-on-month, alongside an 89 percent surge in projected exports. Key projects during the month span ecozone development in Naga, solar cell manufacturing in Batangas, aircraft maintenance in Pasay, and facilities services in Cavite.

Taken together, the numbers point to a pipeline that is becoming more export-driven and value-focused, with clearer implications for jobs, supply chains, and the country’s position in regional manufacturing and services.

 

 

Project count is up, exports are surging. PEZA logs ₱45.52B in Q1 approvals with a massive 89% jump in projected exports for March alone. Discover where the big-ticket projects are heading.

 

 

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