Approved foreign investments (FI) in the Philippines reached P103.33 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a 79.1 percent increase from P57.70 billion in the same period of 2024, according to the latest data from the government. For the full year, total approved FI amounted to P272.38 billion.

Six of the country’s 13 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) reported foreign investment approvals during the quarter. These include 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.

By country of origin, the Netherlands contributed the largest share, pledging P33.05 billion or 32 percent of the total. Japan followed with P17.88 billion (17.3 percent), and Singapore with P17.66 billion (17.1 percent).

Industrial sectors

In terms of industry, the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector led all sectors with P49.41 billion, representing 47.8 percent of approved FIs. Manufacturing followed with P34.68 billion (33.6 percent), while information and communication contributed P4.76 billion (4.6 percent).

Regionally, CALABARZON received the largest share of FI pledges at P46.85 billion (45.3 percent), followed by Central Luzon with P35.36 billion (34.2 percent), and the Negros Island Region with P7.79 billion (7.5 percent).

When combined with domestic investments, total approved investments in the fourth quarter reached P1.10 trillion, up nearly 194 percent from P0.37 trillion in the same period of 2024. Filipino nationals accounted for P0.99 trillion or 90.6 percent of the total. 

The electricity and energy sector dominated, with P557.41 billion, followed by real estate at P234.88 billion (21.4 percent) and transportation and storage at P141.05 billion (12.8 percent).

Expected number of jobs

Approved projects in the fourth quarter are expected to generate 48,227 jobs, slightly lower than 55,843 in the same period last year. Foreign-investment projects are projected to create 35,063 positions, or roughly 73 percent of the total employment impact.

For the full year 2025, total approved investments from both foreign and Filipino nationals reached P1.92 trillion, slightly below the P1.96 trillion recorded in 2024. 

The electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector accounted for more than half of total investments at P991.61 billion (51.6 percent), followed by real estate activities at P327.45 billion (17 percent), transportation and storage at P230.71 billion (12 percent), and manufacturing at P215.38 billion (11.2 percent).

Analysts said the strong inflow of foreign investments, particularly in energy and infrastructure-related sectors, reflects sustained investor confidence and highlights the country’s strategic appeal as a hub for industrial and utility development in Southeast Asia.