(Photo by PNA)
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is poised to surpass its Php 300-billion investment approval target for 2026, with three major projects worth a combined Php 3 billion expected to secure approval next week.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said Friday, October 9, that the agency remains on track to achieve another record year after approving Php 297.14 billion in investments as of the end of September.
“When everybody else was doubting us, then we have proven them wrong,” Panga said on the sidelines of the Arangkada Philippines Forum 2026 in Pasay City.
The three upcoming projects, each valued at approximately Php 1 billion, involve companies in the semiconductor and hyperscale technology industries and are planned for New Clark City in Tarlac.
Panga did not identify the companies but said the PEZA Board would evaluate approximately Php 10 billion worth of investment proposals during its meeting next week.
For 2027, the agency expects to set an even higher investment target, although the official figure has yet to be finalized.
“There’s no way but up,” Panga said, citing continued interest from foreign investors relocating operations from other Asian countries to the Philippines.
He described the growth in investment commitments as “phenomenal,” reflecting sustained demand for economic zone locations.
Panga also revealed that a Japanese company plans to invest Php 1 billion in an electronics manufacturing project in Laguna.
The proposed investment will be developed at Carmelray Industrial Park in Calamba City and Laguna Technopark in Biñan City.
While renewable energy projects accounted for a significant share of approved investments this year, Panga expects advanced technology industries to become major investment drivers in 2027.
These include laser beam technology, silicon carbide manufacturing, and advanced semiconductor packaging.
He added that renewable energy investments would remain welcome, provided they are located within PEZA-registered economic zones.
PEZA expects the continued expansion of high-technology manufacturing and other industries to strengthen the country’s position as an investment destination in the region.
