The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set a P1-trillion investment registration target for 2026, down from P1.56 trillion recorded in 2025, reflecting a strategic pivot toward new industrial sectors.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, who also serves as Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) board chair, said the lower target accounts for evolving investment patterns and a move away from the high capital intensity of previous years.
“In recent years, growth was largely driven by renewable energy projects, which carry very high capital costs, particularly offshore wind power,” Roque said.
The agency expects 2026 registrations to be spearheaded by mineral processing, infrastructure and high-value manufacturing. While these sectors are critical for economic development, they typically involve lower capital costs per project compared to massive energy installations.
For PEZA, investments are projected to reach P300 billion in 2026. This represents a 15-percent increase from the P261 billion approved in 2024. Within the economic zones, manufacturing is expected to comprise 60 percent of total investments, followed by ecozone development at 25 percent and IT-BPM services at 15 percent.
The government identifies Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, China and Taiwan as the primary sources of foreign direct investment for the coming year.
The Philippines is also chasing an export target between $116 billion and $120 billion for goods and services. Electronics, IT-BPM and agricultural exports like coconut, banana and pineapple products are expected to remain the top contributors to the economy.
DTI officials also noted emerging opportunities in global markets for garments, footwear, travel goods and personal care. Traditional Filipino flavors, such as ube, are also being positioned for international expansion.
Roque said the Marcos administration would focus on the full implementation of projects registered in previous years to ensure that approved figures result in actual economic impact.
“The administration remains committed to strengthening the country’s export base, diversifying opportunities for MSMEs and showcasing Filipino products to the world,” Roque said.
