The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has announced a successful acquisition of over PHP 66 billion in new and expansion investments for ecozone development, projected to take effect by May 2025. This initiative, steered under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlights the Philippines' emerging status as a competitive investment destination in Asia, facilitated through the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the importance of this investment surge, stating that it validates the Philippines' role as an attractive location for investors, aiming to generate employment and boost industries nationwide.

She underscored the administration’s goal of fostering shared prosperity in a 'Bagong Pilipinas' (New Philippines).

In related efforts, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga reported that from July 2022 to the present, the PEZA Board has approved 694 projects for new and expansion initiatives, amounting to a total of PHP 574.438 billion.

These projects are projected to create over 160,000 jobs across the Philippines.

Despite the pandemic's adverse effects that led to a downturn, PEZA demonstrated resilience in 2022, returning to levels seen in 2018 and subsequently achieving its investment approval target for 2024. PEZA's performance through the first half of 2025 has already reached 28% of its annual target, with the approval of 102 additional projects contributing to the PHP 66 billion in investments.

The Philippines' positioning as a favored investment hub is further bolstered by strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, notably from countries such as South Korea, the United States, China, and Japan.

This growth is attributed to various factors, including a newly signed free trade agreement with South Korea and the regional adaptation of the China+2 investment strategy.

The implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, which enhances fiscal incentives for both export-oriented and domestic enterprises, has been instrumental in attracting investor interest.

This legislative measure offers a competitive and transparent incentive framework designed to appeal to global businesses seeking stable operational environments.

In terms of financial contributions, PEZA has maintained its position among government-owned corporations, remitting over PHP 1 billion in dividends to the national government annually.

From its establishment in 1995 until 2022, PEZA contributed PHP 10.82 billion in dividends, with buoyant returns of PHP 3.688 billion since the commencement of President Marcos Jr.'s term, including dividends exceeding PHP 1.3 billion for the years 2023 and 2024.

Operating with approximately 600 employees, PEZA effectively manages over 400 economic zones and supports more than 4,000 locator companies, maintaining a self-sustaining fiscal status.

PEZA aims to continue its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development through ecozone initiatives, projecting these zones as protective measures against global economic disruptors and as catalysts for ongoing economic recovery and growth.

The DTI remains focused on enhancing the country's appeal as a prime investment destination in the Southeast Asian region, contributing toward the long-term socio-economic goals of the Marcos administration.