On top of building its infrastructure for the digital economy.
At the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum, which brought together 600 international investors, industry leaders, project developers, and government officials last Thursday, September 10, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. bared some of the bold economic plans for the country.
He told, the country is positioning itself as a key business and manufacturing location, especially as businesses seek reliable destinations for long-term investment.
“Businesses are seeking reliable locations where they can invest for the long term, where they can reach growing markets, and draw from a capable workforce. The Philippines intends to be one of those locations,” the President emphasized.
Having a growing domestic market, access to major trade routes, a young and talented population, and strong economic relationships across the world are among the key advantages of investing in the country, he said.
The government is also looking to improve the movement of people and goods across the said Corridor to reduce costs, support manufacturing and trade, and help Filipino enterprises reach larger markets, the President noted.
The country is also expanding its energy capacity to meet the needs of industry and communities, also said the Chief Executive, who added this includes developing renewable resources, strengthening the grid, and pursuing reliable technologies.
Meanwhile, Marcos disclosed that the Philippines is building its capabilities to become a competitive maritime hub and a key player in critical minerals production.
“Our location and skilled workforce likewise provide a strong foundation for shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, and other maritime industries,” he said. “We are developing the capabilities needed to establish the Philippines as a more competitive maritime hub.”
Several foreign shipbuilding firms operate in Cebu, Subic and Batangas and is fast becoming one of the major sources of employment and export of the Philippines.
The President alos said that the government is strategically developing its critical minerals sector with the goal of going beyond extraction and export of raw resources.
In parallel to all that, the country is also building a digital economy to support economic growth and for environmental responsibility, according to him.
“We are also building the digital foundations of a modern economy. We are expanding secure connectivity and advanced computing infrastructure. We are strengthening cybersecurity and establishing safeguards for the responsible use of AI,” the Chief Executive also said.
He also told that the Philippines is developing renewable resources, strengthening the grid, and pursuing reliable technologies that support both economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Marcos also detailed that for digitally-ready workers, “We are enabling them to move into the higher-value work and helping Filipino enterprises become creators—not merely users—of the new technologies. We want our country to help design and build the solutions that will shape our future.”
He also highlighted, “We are improving the movement of people and goods across the Corridor. This will reduce costs, support manufacturing and trade, and help Filipino enterprises reach larger markets.”
INVESTORS URGED
Thus, he urged foreign investors to invest in the Philippines through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) by bringing capital, technology, and expertise.
“To the investors and business leaders here today: I invite you to build with us. Build your next enterprise in the Philippines,” Marcos said. “Bring your capital, technology, your expertise. Develop Filipino talent and local suppliers. Form lasting partnerships with our businesses and communities.”
He also said that through the LEC, the country seeks to continue providing stability, infrastructure, talent and a responsive government. “We want you to succeed here because your success will create opportunities for our people,” he added.
The Chief Executive said the Philippine government wants the foreign investors to regard the Philippines not simply as another market.
Instead, its success will be measured by “what we finance, by what we build, what we place into operation—by the jobs, the enterprises, and the opportunities that we create for our people.”
President Marcos also assured the foreign investors that “the Philippines is ready. Let us turn confidence into firm commitments, commitments into enduring partnerships, and partnerships into progress that our people can see and feel.”
“Across all these sectors, our goal is not simply to attract investment. We want investment that strengthens our economy and expands Filipino capability,” the President said, emphasizing that the government is working to ensure investments translate into stronger Filipino enterprises.
President Marcos also said the government wants investors to establish long-term operations in the country, transfer knowledge and technology, develop Filipino talent, and work with local suppliers—efforts that are intended to allow Filipinos to capture a greater share of the value generated by economic activity in the country
Under the Luzon Economic Corridor, the government is strengthening connections among Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas.
These areas have complementary strengths in maritime and industrial activities, aviation and logistics, commerce and finance, manufacturing, energy and international trade, according to the government.
“The Corridor brings together areas with distinct but complementary strengths. Subic Bay is a strategic maritime and industrial gateway,” Marcos said. “Clark is emerging as a center for aviation, logistics, technology, and urban development. Metro Manila remains the country’s commercial and financial center. Batangas is a major base for manufacturing, energy, and international trade.”
The LEC was launched with the United States and Japan back in 2024. Since then, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the UK have joined as partner countries.
The United States and Japan co-hosted the 2026 forum held in Taguig City, with both countries expressing continued support to the program.
“By connecting these areas more efficiently, we are creating a powerful economic platform for Luzon and the entire country,” President Marcos also said.
