Government eyes more high-value investments

June 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s new investment promotions blueprint is expected to open the door to more investments in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and other smart and sustainable technologies, according to the Department of Finance and investment promotion agencies.

“The approval of the 2026 SIPP (Strategic Investment Priority Plan) marks a decisive step in the government’s strategy to make our country attractive for investments. We focus on ensuring the ease of doing business, reducing cost and creating predictability,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

Released earlier this week, the 2026 SIPP lists activities that may qualify for incentives under the CREATE MORE Act.

“These efforts are directed toward priority sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and logistics. Well-designed incentives move capital, build industries and expand opportunities for Filipinos,” Go said.

For his part, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Tereso Panga said the new SIPP reflects the shift in the country’s investment promotion strategy of attracting investments in industries of the future.

“The 2026 SIPP is a significant upgrade from the previous plan as it now encourages more Industry 4.0 investments and supports smart and sustainable technologies and activities to enter the Philippines. This trend allows us to also cope with the global industry trends and recalibrate our approach from focusing on the volume of investments to prioritizing the quality, resilience and long-term value of investments entering the country,” Panga said.

He said that the stronger emphasis on advanced manufacturing, innovation, digital infrastructure and sustainability-oriented industries is in line with PEZA’s thrust to promote export competitiveness and shift to higher-value, technology-driven industries.

Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) president and CEO Gil Taway IV also said the newly approved investment priorities support the agency’s aim to transform the ecozone into a hub for national defense and clean energy.

“As the country seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, secure its food supply and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources, APECO offers a unique platform where these priorities can converge through strategic investments and public-private partnerships,” he said.

He said the inclusion of science, technology and innovation-related activities in the SIPP also supports APECO’s long-term vision.

“Priority areas such as research and development, defense-related manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science, hydrogen energy and nuclear energy are among the high-value industries that we aim to attract as we develop a future-ready economic zone,” he said.

Beyond creating quality jobs, he said these industries would also encourage technology transfer and position Aurora as an emerging center of innovation and advanced industries.

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