H1 ecozone investment pledges soar 59%

Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) during the first half of 2025 rose 59 percent, as the government continues to position the country as an attractive investment hub.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

In a statement, PEZA said it has approved P72.36 billion in investment pledges from January to June, an upward adjustment from P45.48 billion during the same period in 2024.

The commitments, which translate to actual investments over time, cover 133 new and expansion projects. This is an 11-percent hike from 120 approved projects last year.

These projects are estimated to create nearly 33,000 jobs and generate approximately $1.26 billion in export revenues.

By the end of June, PEZA approved eight big-ticket projects, potentially bringing in investments valued at more than P50 billion.

The manufacturing sector, specifically the production of food and beverage products, was seen to attract the highest number of investment pledges, with 55 projects approved by PEZA.

A bulk of these investments or 68 projects will rise in Calabarzon, which is home to several PEZA economic zones.