From January to September 2025, Japanese companies committed P14.778 billion in new and expansion projects, representing 9.55 percent of PEZA’s total approved investments of P154.704 billion.
Big-ticket investment
At the center of this rebound is a P9.1-billion flagship food processing facility in Tarlac City, set to operate inside the Tari Estate. The plant will produce processed food for both domestic and export markets and is expected to anchor growth within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).
Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chair Cristina A. Roque, who presided over the latest board meeting, said these investments reflect the government’s push for a stronger investment climate.
“Every ecozone and enterprise approval means new jobs, broader trade opportunities, and stronger industries,” Roque said. “These investments affirm that the Philippines is fast becoming the destination of choice for global industries.”
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga added that Japan’s renewed lead reflects the results of aggressive investment missions abroad.
“With nearly 10 percent of this year’s project approvals coming from Japanese firms, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and competitive hub in Asia,” Panga said.
Performance highlights
PEZA recorded P154.70 billion in approved investments from 215 projects in the first nine months of 2025, a 33.5-percent jump from P115.89 billion a year ago and already 61.9 percent of its P250-billion full-year target.
In September alone, the agency cleared 36 projects worth P48.869 billion, expected to generate 10,312 direct jobs and US$1.113 billion in exports.
These approvals included:
Eight “big-ticket” projects accounted for P44.805 billion of the September total, including the Japanese food facility in Tarlac and a new ecozone development in Quezon Province that is poised to accelerate growth in CALABARZON.
Stronger year-on-year growth
PEZA’s year-to-date approvals reflect a 33.5-percent increase from the same period in 2024, when investments totaled P115.89 billion. Project count also rose 20.1 percent year-on-year, with 215 approvals against 179 in 2024.
The projects are expected to generate 50,430 direct jobs, up 40.6 percent from last year, and $4.49 billion in exports, a 78.7-percent jump over last year’s $2.51 billion.
The manufacturing sector remains the backbone of this growth, particularly in electronics, automotive, auto parts, and food processing, contributing P42.4 billion in approvals so far this year.
Looking ahead
PEZA officials said investor sentiment remains robust, with Japan leading followed by commitments from Caymanian, South Korean, Chinese, and American firms.
“Given the robust pipeline and caliber of projects underway, we are not merely on track to meet our goal—we are positioned to deliver even bigger economic wins for the country and our people,” Panga said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
