Central Visayas recorded a significant increase in foreign investment approvals during the first quarter of 2026, even as total approved investments in the region experienced a slight decline, reflecting a broader national trend of weaker investment commitments.
Foreign Investment Growth
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that approved foreign investments in Central Visayas surged 35.3 percent to P455.27 million in the January-to-March period, up from P336.58 million in the same quarter of the previous year. This growth underscores the region's continued appeal to international investors despite economic headwinds.
Total Approved Investments Decline
However, total approved investments from both foreign and Filipino nationals in Central Visayas slipped 1.3 percent to P9.85 billion from P9.99 billion in the same quarter last year. This decline aligns with the national trend, where total approved investments dropped significantly.
Nationwide, approved foreign investments surged 52.3 percent to P42.64 billion in Q1 2026 from P27.99 billion in Q1 2025. Seven of the country's 15 investment promotion agencies reported foreign investment approvals during the quarter, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Board of Investments, Clark Development Corp., Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Clark International Airport Corp., Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Top Sources and Sectors
South Korea emerged as the top source of approved foreign investments, contributing P25.37 billion or 59.5 percent of total pledges. Singapore followed with P3.18 billion, while China added P2.54 billion. By industry, arts, entertainment, and recreation attracted the largest share at P10.38 billion, followed by manufacturing at P9.08 billion and accommodation and food service activities at P9.07 billion.
Regional Distribution
Among regions, Central Luzon cornered the largest share of foreign investment approvals with P33.08 billion or 77.6 percent of the total. Calabarzon followed with P3 billion, while the National Capital Region received P2.13 billion.
National Investment Overview
Meanwhile, total approved investments from both foreign and Filipino nationals nationwide declined 30.8 percent to P125.95 billion from P181.97 billion in Q1 2025. Filipino nationals accounted for P83.31 billion or 66.1 percent of total approved investments during the period. Projects related to electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply comprised the largest share at P29.58 billion, followed by accommodation and food service activities at P24.03 billion and manufacturing at P21.89 billion.
Employment Impact
Approved projects in the first quarter are expected to generate 21,623 jobs, down 31.9 percent from 31,758 projected jobs in the same period last year. Of the total projected jobs, 13,108 are expected to come from projects with foreign interest.
