The Board of Investments (BOI) officially launched the first leg of its CREATE MORE Roadshows at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on 27 March 2025. The roadshow series highlights the strategic investments and boundless opportunities available to investors in the Philippines under the CREATE MORE Act.
In his keynote message, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go reiterated the government’s focus on driving reforms and initiatives that elevate the country’s global competitiveness. He encouraged investors to be part of the Philippines’ growth story, highlighting that “Now is the time to invest in Southeast Asia’s economic superstar. This is the time to CREATE MORE—more investments, more jobs, and more opportunities.”
SAPIEA Go showcased the strength of the Philippine economy and the significant strides the government has achieved in creating a conducive business environment. He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in ushering in investment-led growth that will fuel the country’s economic progress.
Republic Act No. 12066, also known as the CREATE MORE, was signed into law in 2024 to bolster the country’s investment climate by offering longer tax incentives, clearer VAT zero rating treatment, additional enhanced deduction, flexible work arrangements, and alignment of imposition of local tax. The law aims to create a more business-friendly environment that fosters job creation and drives sustainable economic growth, positioning the Philippines as a top investment destination in Asia.
Following the enactment of CREATE MORE, its interim implementing rules and regulations (IRR) were approved in the same year, enabling the immediate implementation of provisions on registration, the transfer of old registrations to the enhanced regime under CREATE and CREATE MORE, and VAT incentives pending full implementation. The full IRR took effect on 20 February 2025, which paved the way for the launch of the roadshow series to ensure a smooth transition for businesses and support the granting of expanded and improved incentives.
During the roadshow, a diverse group of representatives from Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and foreign embassies gathered to discuss strategies to attract investments and unlock the full potential of the Philippine economy.
BOI Investment Policy and Planning Service Director Sandra Recolizado elaborated on the projects and activities eligible for incentives under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP). Earlier this year, the BOI conducted public consultations on the draft 2025 SIPP in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with the draft 2025-2027 SIPP currently underway. This was followed by a presentation from BOI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego, who highlighted the enhancements in CREATE MORE that will further stimulate business growth and investment in the country.
The event proceeded with a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring experts from both public and private sectors, who expounded on how CREATE MORE can unlock investment opportunities and accelerate the country’s economic development. The positive feedback from the private sector was evident throughout the discussion, with participants commending the legislation for its potential to drive growth and innovation. Panelists included: BOI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego, PCCI Chair Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, PCCI President Eunina Mangio, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Director Rick Santos, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Representative Rune Damgaard, and was moderated by Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Christopher Ilagan.
The roadshow was organized by BOI, together with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM), European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (KCCP), Philippine Association of Multinational Companies’ Regional Headquarters, Inc. (PAMURI), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Echoing Secretary Go’s message, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo emphasized two critical points: “First, the primary importance we are giving to investors who already here, both for your expansion and new projects. We enjoin you to more closely collaborate with us as ambassadors and advocates of investment promotion in the Philippines.” He added, “Second, we equally value both foreign and domestic investors, attaching significance to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and domestic Philippine-based investments.”
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized, “The CREATE MORE represents an unprecedented opportunity for the Philippines to strengthen its position in the global market. As we continue to push for innovation and development in our priority sectors, the government is committed to ensuring that every investor, whether foreign or local, receives the support and resources needed to thrive in the Philippine business ecosystem.”
With upcoming roadshows in Cebu and Davao, the BOI is set to engage even more investors across the country and further encourage participation in the growing Philippine economy. The international kick off of CREATE MORE will happen in South Korea this April and the agency expects more investments promotion missions to market the Philippines for the rest of the year.
The BOI remains committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue on investment opportunities in the Philippines, providing local and international investors with the support needed to make sound business decisions. Stay tuned for more updates on the future of business and investment in the Philippines as the CREATE MORE Roadshows continue.
