PEZA Approvals Surge 88% to P124.84 Billion in First Five Months of 2026

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved P124.84 billion in investments from January to May 2026, an 88 percent increase from the P66.34 billion approved during the same period last year, signaling renewed momentum in the country’s export-oriented growth strategy.

A total of 135 projects received board approval in the first five months, with projected exports of about $2.97 billion, nearly triple the $1.09 billion estimated for the comparable period in 2025. PEZA said the approvals are expected to create some 20,012 jobs nationwide.

May jumpstarts growth

PEZA’s strong five-month result was driven by a particularly robust May. The board approved 31 projects worth P15.41 billion last month, a 446.9 percent increase from P2.82 billion in May 2025. Those May projects alone are projected to generate $364.73 million in exports and create 3,895 jobs.

Among the largest May approvals were three export manufacturing projects located in Pampanga, Laguna and Cebu, with a combined investment exceeding P11 billion, underscoring the continued appeal of regional manufacturing hubs.

Manufacturing, IT-BPM lead approvals

Manufacturing remained the dominant sector, accounting for 16 of the 31 May projects. IT-business process management (IT-BPM) projects followed with seven approvals, while the remainder covered logistics, ecozone development, domestic-market ventures, facilities and tourism. Investors originated mainly from the Netherlands, South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Japan and Singapore.

PEZA noted the investment pipeline is increasingly technology-driven, export-oriented and capital-intensive, trends the agency expects will help integrate the Philippines deeper into global value chains.

Full-year target within reach

PEZA has set a full-year target of P300 billion in approvals for 2026, about 15 percent higher than the P260.89 billion approved in 2025. The agency exceeded its lower-end target last year when it topped the P250 billion mark.

The newly endorsed 2026 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan, backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prioritizes advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and digital infrastructure. PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said these priorities, along with a stable business environment and a skilled workforce, continue to attract high-value, export-focused investors despite global economic headwinds.

Local impact for Cebu

The sizable approvals for projects in Cebu signal opportunities for the province’s manufacturing and services sectors, with potential boosts to employment and export revenues. Local officials and industry groups may now focus on workforce training and infrastructure support to maximize benefits from these investments.