PH snares ₱461.8B in H1 investments, signals stronger investor confidence
The Philippines’ intensified economic diplomacy—through overseas investment missions, visiting trade delegations, and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business—is beginning to yield results, with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Board of Investments (BOI) approving ₱461.84 billion worth of projects in the first half of 2026, up 21% from ₱382.24 billion in the same period last year.
The strong performance reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals and long-term growth prospects as the government continues to pursue reforms designed to attract high-value investments and generate quality jobs.
From January to June 2026, the BOI approved 124 projects expected to create 14,415 direct jobs, underscoring the agency’s role in translating investment commitments into economic activity across the country.
Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Cristina A. Roque said the investment approvals demonstrate sustained confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination.
“The strong growth in DTI-BOI-approved investments reflects investors’ confidence in the Philippines and in the Marcos Jr. administration’s reform policies. We are making it easier to invest, expand, and do business in the country. Our focus now is to turn these investment commitments into operating projects that create quality jobs, strengthen industries, and deliver lasting opportunities for Filipinos,” Roque said.
She added that the country’s recent attainment of Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC) status highlights the gains from sustained investments and sound economic reforms.
Energy leads investment approvals
The energy sector, including renewable energy projects, accounted for the largest share of approved investments at ₱343.47 billion, representing 74.25% of the total.
The sector’s dominance reflects continued investor interest in projects that support the country’s energy security, capacity expansion, and long-term development.
Other major investment recipients were:
Real estate activities – ₱36.55 billion
Air and water transport – ₱36.25 billion
Mining and quarrying – ₱14.64 billion
Hotels, tourism and accommodation – ₱7.58 billion
Manufacturing – ₱7.22 billion
Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the approvals underscore the impact of the government’s investment reforms.
“The strong investment approvals recorded in the first half of the year affirm the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination and reflect investor confidence in our economic prospects and reform agenda. With the implementation of CREATE MORE, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, the BOI is ensuring that investors have both the policy support and facilitation mechanisms needed to bring projects from approval to operation,” Rodolfo said.
Domestic investments surge
Domestic investment approvals reached ₱447.32 billion, up 41% from the same period last year.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) attracted the largest volume of approved investments at ₱150.40 billion, followed by:
Ilocos Region – ₱144.13 billion
National Capital Region – ₱48.78 billion
Central Luzon – ₱33.55 billion
Caraga – ₱16.93 billion
Central Visayas – ₱13.97 billion
Meanwhile, approved foreign investments totaled ₱14.16 billion, led by Singapore with ₱3.15 billion, followed by China (₱1.13 billion), the United States (₱1.06 billion), Australia (₱961 million), and Japan (₱873 million).
The BOI attributed the sustained investment momentum to reforms including the CREATE MORE Act, the 2026–2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, which provide investors with clearer incentives, streamlined permitting, and faster government action on strategic projects.
The latest investment approvals complement the Philippines’ recent elevation to Upper Middle-Income Country status and reinforce the country’s position as an increasingly competitive destination for strategic, high-value, and job-generating investments.
As the government’s lead investment promotion agency, the BOI said it will continue attracting investments, facilitating strategic projects, and supporting industrial development to sustain economic growth and expand employment opportunities for Filipinos.
No comments: