Manila: The Board of Investments (BOI) expects approximately PHP1.12 trillion worth of new investment projects to register during the second semester of the year. Some 65 projects, amounting to PHP290 billion, are undergoing check listing, while another three major projects worth PHP832 billion are also in the pipeline, securing necessary documents for registration.
According to Philippines News Agency, check listing is the initial step in BOI registration, where proponents have submitted the required documents to signify their intent to apply for fiscal incentives. Ma. Cristina Roque, Department of Trade and Industry and BOI Chair Secretary, stated, "We are now entering a crucial implementation phase where many of our previously approved investments are being realized on the ground. At the same time, we are working hard to sustain momentum by pushing a new wave of projects toward registration, ensuring that today's pipeline becomes tomorrow's operational infrastructure, jobs, and innovation."
The 65 projects currently being check-listed span across sectors such as renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing, logistics, food security, mass housing, and infrastructure. These projects are expected to generate around 4,300 jobs, reinforcing the Marcos administration's commitment to create high-quality and inclusive employment for Filipinos. Among these, twelve projects, amounting to PHP116.81 billion, have received green lane certifications, which mandate national government agencies and local government units to fast-track the processing of the projects' licenses and permits.
For the first five months of the year, BOI has approved a total of PHP330 billion in investments. The agency is targeting investment approvals of PHP1.75 trillion for 2025, which is an eight percent increase from the PHP1.62 trillion project registration last year.
The investment promotion agency is also relying on the approval and release of the 2025-2027 Strategic Investment Promotion Plan, expected to unlock additional investment opportunities in priority areas such as digital infrastructure, energy transition, and climate-smart technologies. Roque added, "With the SIPP nearing approval and the CREATE MORE campaign in full swing, we expect a rebound in investment approvals over the next quarter. Our focus remains on converting interest into impact - bringing in high-value investments that will deepen our industrial base and future-proof our economy."
BOI stated that Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) would bolster its CREATE MORE promotion this year by organizing roadshows locally and abroad. Republic Act 12066, or the CREATE MORE Act, signed into law on November 11, 2024, transforms the Philippines into an attractive destination for business by making the tax incentives regime more globally competitive, investment-friendly, predictable, and accountable.
