2026 U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines launches in New York

New York, USA — The Philippines once again marked stronger cross-border trade and investment ties with the launch of the 2026 U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines on 11 February 2026, at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York (PTIC-New York), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), the event titled: "Investing Forward: Philippine Economic Outlook and Launch of the U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines,"  brought together business executives, investors, Filipino-American professionals, and industry leaders for an in-depth look at the Philippine economy and the opportunities available through the mission.

L-R: Consul Juan Carlos Borromeo; Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso; Consul General Senen T. Mangalile; Ms. Marian Santos, Ernst & Young LLP; Mr. Mike Nierva, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Ledy Almadin, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce.

The initiative forms part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines–U.S. diplomatic relations, underscoring the longstanding and expanding economic partnership between the two nations.

Investing Forward: A Strategic Platform for Engagement

The New York event consisted of two integrated components, the Philippine Economic Outlook Briefing, and the U.S. Business Mission Launch.

During the Philippine Economic Outlook Briefing, Consul General Senen Mangalile cited compelling reasons to invest in the Philippines, namely robust economic fundamentals, a young and digitally native population, and its proximity to the ASEAN market.

Dr. Ronilo Balbieran, a Filipino economist and professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, underscored the Philippines' strong macroeconomic fundamentals that are poised to accelerate even further once they hit full momentum.

"Now is the best time for American businesses to invest in the Philippines. Valuations are still attractive, growth prospects are strong, and local investor confidence is high," Dr. Balbieran said.

Atty. Marian Santos, senior director at SGV & Co. and manager at the National Tax Asia Pacific Business Group of Ernst & Young, also delivered a comprehensive briefing covering macroeconomic trends, policy reforms, the regulatory environment, and emerging sectors that continue to drive Philippine growth. Attendees received up-to-date insights into the country's economic landscape and investment outlook.

Meanwhile, at the U.S. Business Mission Launch, Consul General Senen Mangalile, Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso, Consul Juan Carlos Borromeo, Mike Nierva and Ledy Almadin of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in New York, and Atty. Marian B. Santos of EY led the ceremonial launch of the mission. A special message from Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez invited U.S. companies to participate and deepen their engagement with one of Southeast Asia's most resilient and fastest-growing economies.

Set for July 2026, the U.S. Business Mission will bring American companies to Manila, the Luzon Economic Corridor (Manila–Clark–Subic), and Palawan for high-level briefings, B2B meetings, site visits, and engagements with key Philippine government and private-sector partners.

With the United States ranking as the Philippines' third-largest trading partner in 2025 and over US$20 billion in two-way trade, the mission aims to deepen commercial ties and highlight opportunities in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, IT-BPM, energy, tourism, and sustainable development.

A similar business mission launch will also be held in Chicago in March to engage companies from the Midwest region. These coordinated launches serve as key platforms to connect Philippine opportunities with U.S. investors and industry leaders for a stronger trade and investment partnership.

U.S. companies interested in joining the mission may apply through PTIC-New York until 30 April 2026.

(A press release from PTIC-New York. For inquiries, contact newyork@dti.gov.ph.)