The Philippines is solidifying its role as an investment hub in Southeast Asia, with Asean neighbors pouring billions of pesos into projects that boost jobs and power key sectors, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
From 2020 to July 2025, Asean-sourced pledges approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) reached P252 billion, led mainly by Singapore at P246 billion. Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia accounted for the rest.
Trade Secretary and BOI chair Cristina Roque said the inflows reflect “the growing confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines as a place for business growth.”
She stressed that the agency’s work aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priorities to expand opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises while deepening ties in the digital economy.
In the first seven months of 2025 alone, Asean commitments hit P58.07 billion. The investments are concentrated in information and communication with P169.59 billion, and power, including renewable energy with P74.20 billion. Manufacturing, support services, and agriculture also drew capital.
Collectively, the projects are expected to create more than 15,300 jobs.
BOI Executive Director Evariste Cagatan noted the focus on digital and renewable energy “aligns with the Philippines’ push for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services.”
Parallel data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed Asean foreign direct investment net inflows of $95.78 million from January to July 2025, with Singapore and Malaysia as the top sources.
Manila has also been active in regional initiatives. The Philippines hosted the 83rd Asean Coordination Committee on Investment meeting in 2023, backed the Asean Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan in 2024, and will join this October’s Asean Investment Forum in Kuala Lumpur, which will showcase projects in biofuels, carbon capture, solar, and supply chain linkages.
The DTI said the Philippines’ assumption of the Asean chairmanship in 2026 is expected to further cement its leadership role in promoting sustainable, inclusive growth.
