A Review and Preview of Philippine Growth and Investment Trends

Washington DC – The fourth quarter Philippine investment forum reviewed 2025 economic data and prospects for continued growth into the new year.

Drawing on the largely positive outlook at a September 25-26 Arangkada forum in Manila, US-Philippines Society Senior Advisor Brian Harding detailed key take-aways from presentations by Philippine officials and the Philippines-based Joint Chambers of Commerce. Brian also moderated Q’s/A’s from participants in the Philippine Embassy’s packed Romulo Hall on October 29.

Following a candid personal assessment by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and a comprehensive briefing by Economic Minister Hans Siriban, senior U.S. private sector representatives provided personal perspectives on the attractiveness of investing in the Philippines. Koloma company VP David Guro focused on opportunities in the energy sector; Paul Brownell of Equinix provided insights into his firm’s cutting edge technology investments. Raymond “Mon” Abrea briefed on tax policy and offered a lively econonic policy overview.

In his welcome remarks, US-Philippines Society founding director Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard echoed the positive directions of investment trends in the face of current mild headwinds and noted the timeliness of a program on the Philippines as public attention had been drawn to the Asia-Pacific region with President Trump’s attendance at both the East Asia and APEC summits making news that week.

The event, co-sponsored by the US-Philippines Society and the Embassy, closed with networking opportunities over a shared merienda.

Mabuhay!