Makati City, Philippines—As the Marcos administration marks its third year in office, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reports continued momentum in investment approvals. This reinforces the Philippines’ position as a hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services amid evolving global economic conditions.

From July 2022 to April 2025, the Philippines, through the Board of Investments (BOI), recorded a total of PHP 3.54 trillion in approved investments—a 70.64% increase compared to the same period under the previous administration. This includes record-breaking annual figures: PHP 729 billion in 2022, PHP 1.26 trillion in 2023, and PHP 1.62 trillion in 2024—the highest in the BOI’s 57-year history, driven largely by renewable energy projects. The total approved investments are expected to generate 147,304 jobs, reflecting the administration’s commitment to translating investment growth into meaningful employment opportunities for Filipinos.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque speaking at the podium during the CREATE MORE High-Level Forum on March 28. She is wearing a navy blue blazer and standing in front of a microphone, with a presentation screen in the background displaying text about investments, jobs, and opportunities.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque during the CREATE MORE High-Level Forum on March 28

“These record-breaking figures are a testament to the Philippines’ sound investment policies and enduring appeal as a regional hub. But even more importantly, they reflect the strong leadership and clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a strong, innovation-driven economy anchored on high-quality investments that generate jobs, enhance infrastructure, and elevate our global competitiveness,” said Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“Under President Marcos’ administration, we are not only pursuing numbers—we are pursuing meaningful transformation. Through strategic policy direction and whole-of-government coordination, we are laying the foundations for long-term, inclusive, and innovation-led growth,” the trade chief added.

Understanding Investment Cycles and Global Factors

While investment approvals in 2025 have seen a slowdown, this trend is expected and reflects the natural cycle of investment activity. The majority of previously approved large-scale projects have now entered their implementation phase. Additionally, external factors such as tighter global financial conditions and heightened geopolitical uncertainty have contributed to a more cautious investment environment, signaling a temporary shift from rapid expansion to execution and policy consolidation.

“It is important to understand the nature of strategic investments. Projects such as offshore wind farms, logistics corridors, and energy infrastructure are large-scale undertakings that involve detailed planning, permitting, and construction phases. These do not translate into immediate FDI inflows, but they are critical to long-term growth and competitiveness,” Secretary Roque explained.

Between January 2022 and February 2025, the country experienced fluctuating foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, influenced by global economic conditions and ongoing policy reforms. Despite these fluctuations, industry-level data shows that manufacturing, real estate, and information and communication remained the top sectors for FDI, with manufacturing consistently recording the highest share and sustained growth. Further, the recent downtrend in FDIs is not unique to the Philippines; it is part of a broader global and regional trend as reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

The current global environment, shaped by the US-China trade war and renewed calls for reciprocal tariffs in the United States, has also influenced investor behavior, particularly in the IT-BPM sector. While the direct impact on operations has been limited, mainly affecting the sourcing of IT equipment and software, the broader climate of uncertainty has prompted firms to reassess investment timelines and supply chain strategies.

In the Philippine context, demand for outsourced services remains strong, supported by the continued expansion of global capability centers. While artificial intelligence (AI) presents automation risks, it is also expected to drive demand for upskilling and create new roles, particularly in areas requiring complex decision-making. If effectively harnessed, AI can support innovation across key sectors, including agriculture, electronics, logistics, healthcare, and finance.

Promoting the Philippines as an Investment Destination

To further strengthen the country’s global positioning, the BOI launched the CREATE MORE Roadshows in March 2025, beginning in Makati City and set to expand to Cebu and Davao. These events aim to highlight opportunities under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE MORE) Act and are designed to engage both local and foreign investors on the benefits of locating in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo speaking at the podium during the 2025 Global Business Club Philippine Business Forum on April 07. Behind him, large screens display the forum’s theme 'Create More: Making Investments Happen in the Philippines' and a world map showing Korea’s foreign direct investments. Attendees are seated and listening to the presentation.
DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo during the 2025 Global Business Club Philippine Business Forum on April 07

Internationally, the BOI also spearheaded the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul, South Korea, in April 2025. This was the first stop in a series of global investment missions under CREATE MORE, aimed at engaging investors and promoting the Philippines as a destination for high-value investments. The government will continue this strategic promotional campaign in targeted country-specific markets.

At the policy level, the BOI is finalizing the 2025 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), following public consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The updated SIPP will guide investment priorities over the coming years, aligning with national development goals such as digital transformation, energy security, industrial deepening, and climate resilience.

To improve the ease of doing business, the government implemented Executive Order No. 18 in 2023, establishing “Green Lanes” for strategic investments. These lanes are designed to streamline and expedite permit and license applications, ensuring faster implementation of priority projects. As of 27 May 2025, the BOI has granted Green Lane certification to 208 projects, 78% of which are in renewable energy, totaling PHP 5.2 trillion in investment value since implementation.

The DTI, through the BOI, remains committed to accelerating inclusive, innovation-led growth through sound policy, transparent governance, and a globally competitive business environment. ♦

Date of Release: 30 May 2025

Related posts:

Prefer Pinoy Roadshow empowers local industry through the Domestic Bidders’ (DoBid) Certificate of Preference Program DTI brings OTOP to SM City Dasmariñas, expands market for local businesses DTI taps top Korean firms to boost PH food and retail investments DTI turns over PHP30-M improved farm-to-market road in Lanao Del Norte DTI boosts Sultan Kudarat coffee farmers with new machinery, skills under RAPID Growth DTI, gov’t agencies connect farmers and consumers at Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Alaminos DTI, CMDI launch livelihood training program in Bay, Laguna PDCB, BHI collaborate to advance fair construction contracting and CPES implementation in the construction industry