President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday invited American companies to participate in the administration’s “Build, Better, More” program involving the development of 198 high-impact priority infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), totaling US$148 billion or over PhP8 trillion.

“This is not the only important infrastructure that we need. Through the “Build, Better, More” program, we aim to launch 198 high-impact priority infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), totaling USD 148 billion (PhP 8.8 trillion),” President Marcos said in his remarks during the call of the US government and its Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) delegation in Malacanang.

“We eagerly welcome participation by US investors in these transformative initiatives,” he said.

These flagship projects span various sub-sectors, including physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity (telecommunications), and energy, Marcos said.

They will also lay out the groundwork for the nation’ aspiration to be the next logistics hub in Asia.

Investing in the country presents a multitude of advantages for investors looking to grow and expand, Marcos said, noting the Philippines situated at the heart of Southeast Asia offers a strategic location for businesses to succeed.

Aside from those projects, American investors are also encouraged to put their money on developing the country’s energy sector and critical metals exploration and processing, among other areas.

The arrival of the US mission in Manila marks the fulfillment of US President Joe Biden’s commitment to President Marcos during his visit to Washington, D.C. in May 2023. Biden had pledged to send a high-level presidential delegation to the Philippines to enhance investment and trade relations between the two nations.

Last year, the US ranked as the Philippines’s third (out of 230) trading partner, first (out of 230) export market, and fifth (out of 230) import source. PND