Approved investments in the Philippines for the year 2025 totaled P1.92 trillion, according to recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This figure represents a slight decrease from the P1.96 trillion recorded in 2024, but highlights robust economic activity, particularly in the energy sector, which dominated the investment landscape.
Energy Sector Leads with Over Half of Total Investments
The data reveals that projects classified under electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply amounted to P991.61 billion, accounting for a substantial 51.6 percent of the total approved investments for 2025. This underscores the critical role of energy infrastructure in the country's economic development.
Other Key Sectors Contributing to Investment Growth
Following energy, real estate activities contributed P327.45 billion, or 17 percent of the total, while transportation and storage added P230.71 billion, representing 12 percent. Manufacturing projects also made a significant impact, reaching P215.38 billion, which is 11.2 percent of the overall approvals.
Fourth Quarter Surge in Approved Investments
In the fourth quarter of 2025, total approved investments from both foreign and Filipino nationals experienced a dramatic increase, climbing 193.8 percent to P1.10 trillion from P370 billion in the same period in 2024. Filipino nationals accounted for the majority of this surge, with P990 billion, or 90.6 percent of the total.
Foreign Investment Approvals Show Strong Growth
Foreign investment approvals in the October-to-December period surged 79.1 percent to P103.33 billion from P57.70 billion a year earlier. Six of the country's 13 Investment Promotion Agencies reported these approvals, including the Board of Investments, Bangsamoro - Board of Investments, Clark International Airport Corporation, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority.
Top Sources and Industries for Foreign Investment
By source country, the Netherlands led with P33.05 billion in approved foreign pledges, representing 32 percent of the total. Japan followed with P17.88 billion (17.3 percent), while Singapore accounted for P17.66 billion (17.1 percent). In terms of industries, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply attracted the largest share of foreign investment at P49.41 billion (47.8 percent), followed by manufacturing with P34.68 billion (33.6 percent) and information and communication with P4.76 billion (4.6 percent).
Regional Distribution of Foreign Pledges
Regionally, Calabarzon received the biggest portion of foreign pledges at P46.85 billion, which is 45.3 percent of the total. Central Luzon followed with P35.36 billion (34.2 percent), and the Negros Island Region accounted for P7.79 billion (7.5 percent).
Employment Projections from Approved Projects
Approved projects in the fourth quarter are expected to generate 48,227 jobs, a decrease of 13.6 percent from the 55,843 jobs projected in the same quarter in 2024. Of the total expected employment, 35,063 positions, or 72.7 percent, will come from projects with foreign interest, highlighting the significant role of international investments in job creation.
