Foreign investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in the first nine months of 2025 jumped 33.5 percent to around PHP154.7 billion, data released Tuesday showed.

These investments, which are accounted for by 215 projects, are higher than the nearly PHP115.89 billion in the same period last year, PEZA said in a press release.

“These approvals demonstrate enduring investor confidence in the Philippines. Backed by sustained momentum and robust investment activity, we are on track to attain our PHP250 billion goal and strengthen our standing as a leading investment destination in Asia,” PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said.

The bulk of the investments are into manufacturing, with 98 projects, followed by those in information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), 55; economic zone development, 17; domestic investment, 18; facilities, 15; logistics, seven; and utilities, four.

These investments are projected to provide 50,430 jobs and USD4.49 billion worth of exports.

In terms of fund sources, around 9.55 percent of the investments are from Japan, at PHP14.778 billion, the largest so far this year, the news release showed.

“Japan’s return as our leading partner reflects the fruit of our investment missions and strong collaborations with stakeholders. With nearly 10 percent of this year’s total project approvals coming from Japanese companies, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and highly competitive hub in Asia,” Panga said.

For September alone, approved investments totaled PHP48.87 billion and include 35 new and expansion projects that are expected to generate around 10,312 direct jobs and projected exports of around USD1.113 billion.

“Given the robust interest 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 as we achieve our 2025 investment targets,” Panga added. (PNA)