The Board of Investments (BOI) reported on Monday that the country’s manufacturing sector grew by 4.9 percent in May, its fastest pace in 10 months.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, who also serves as BOI chairperson, said the growth signals robust economic activity and an increase in job opportunities.

Based on preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, the volume of production index (VoPI)—which measures the physical output produced by factories—expanded by 4.9 percent year-on-year in May 2025, up from 4.3 percent in April.

Roque said the sustained rise in industrial production, coupled with increasing investor confidence, is laying the groundwork for significant employment opportunities for Filipinos.

“The surge in manufacturing output in the Philippines shows how we are taking advantage of opportunities to serve growing markets and, importantly, to provide jobs and income for our people,” she said.

The BOI reported that the May growth was primarily driven by a 15.7 percent jump in the food products subsector, which accelerated from an 11.2 percent rise in April.

The manufacture of transport equipment also provided a major boost, with output increasing by 13.5 percent—nearly doubling the 7.4 percent growth recorded the previous month.

To recall, S&P Global reported that the Philippines’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing rose to 50.7 in June 2025 from 50.1 in May, indicating an improvement in operating conditions.

This positive momentum is translating into tangible investments and jobs, with the BOI approving ₱15.02 billion worth of manufacturing projects from January to June 2025, projected to generate over 5,000 new jobs.

Roque emphasized that increased production directly fuels employment.

“This positive outlook on the manufacturing sector is a catalyst for the country’s economic growth and more job opportunities for Filipinos. When factories produce more, they need to hire more workers,” Roque said.