PH strategic investments reach P4.6T, expected to create 300K jobs – Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines – Investments in so-called strategic sectors have topped P4.6 trillion taking into account the impact on job creation, more mobility, and lower inflation due to competition

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, March 13, this is the result of streamlined investment procedures and enhanced collaboration among agencies to attract investors.

Speaking at the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Milestone Event in Malacañang, the president said the surge in investments is projected to create around 300,000 jobs.

He said as of February 2025, 187 strategic investments have been certified across key sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, food security, and manufacturing.

Marcos said these investments were facilitated under Executive Order 18, also known as the Green Lanes for Strategic Investment initiative, which expedites high-impact projects through a One-Stop-Action-Center.

Among the projects that benefited from the initiative is the EDC-Project Charlie Hyperscale Data Center in New Clark City, Tarlac. The president also highlighted two operational solar power projects in Pangasinan: the 159 megawatt-peak Laoag project and the 94 megawatt-peak Cayanga-Bugallon project.

"The goal is simple: less red tape, more action, more results, more success, more quickly. We want investments to come in, projects to break ground faster, [and] jobs to reach our people sooner. Because when businesses move quickly, progress follows just as fast," Marcos said.

The president expressed optimism that these new investments will spur competition, potentially reducing the cost of goods and services while advancing transportation, energy, and communications through cutting-edge technologies.