The Board of Investments (BOI) disclosed that, as of the first half of the year, it had already approved P461.84 billion worth of investments, up 21 percent from the P382.24 billion recorded in the same period last year.

From January to June 2026, the BOI approved 124 projects that are expected to generate 14,415 direct jobs.

The strong performance, according to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, demonstrates sustained confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination and the government's efforts to create a more competitive and business-friendly economy.

"The strong growth in DTI-BOI-approved investments reflects investors' confidence in the Philippines and in the Marcos Jr. administration's reform policies. We are making it easier to invest, expand, and do business in the country. Our focus now is to turn these investment commitments into operating projects that create quality jobs, strengthen industries, and deliver lasting opportunities for Filipinos," Secretary Roque said.

"The country's recent attainment of Upper Middle-Income Country status highlights the positive impact of sustained investments and sound economic reforms. Through the BOI's investment promotion, facilitation, and policy initiatives, we are helping translate economic gains into concrete opportunities for businesses, communities, and Filipino workers across the country," Roque added.

Energy sector takes lead

The energy sector, including renewable energy, accounted for the largest share of approved investments at P343.47 billion, representing 74.25 percent of the total approved investments.

Other major contributors to BOI-approved investments included real estate activities at P36.55 billion, air and water transport at P36.25 billion, mining and quarrying at P14.64 billion, hotel, tourism, and accommodation projects at P7.58 billion, and manufacturing at P7.22 billion.

For his part, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the investment approvals highlight the growing impact of the government's economic reforms and the BOI's efforts to guide investments toward industries that will drive future growth.

"The strong investment approvals recorded in the first half of the year affirm the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination and reflect investor confidence in our economic prospects and reform agenda. With the implementation of CREATE MORE, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, the BOI is ensuring that investors have both the policy support and facilitation mechanisms needed to bring projects from approval to operation. These reforms are helping position the Philippines as a preferred location for strategic, high-value, and job-generating investments," he said.

Domestic investments reached P447.32 billion, representing a 41 percent increase from the same period last year.

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) registered the highest level of approved investments at P150.40 billion, followed by the Ilocos Region at P144.13 billion, the National Capital Region at P48.78 billion, Central Luzon at P33.55 billion, Caraga at P16.93 billion, and Central Visayas at P13.97 billion.

Meanwhile, approved foreign investments totaled P14.16 billion, with Singapore emerging as the top source of investment commitments at P3.15 billion, followed by China at P1.13 billion, the United States at P1.06 billion, Australia at P961 million, and Japan at P873 million.