United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) said it welcomes several ongoing investment initiatives of the Philippine government in high-tech manufacturing, free trade zones and economic zones, as the US-based logistics giant actively looks for potential local investments amid the country’s growing manufacturing and trade sectors.
Albert Sapaen Jr., general manager of the UPS Clark Hub, made the remark when asked how initiatives such as the US-led Pax Silica initiative and the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) could support the company’s growth over the next five years.
During a press briefing for the launch of UPS’ new $80-million international hub in Clark, Pampanga, Mr. Sapaen said the company supports investments that contribute to economic development and job creation.
“UPS welcomes and appreciates investments that will boost the development of the country, create jobs, and support investments in the country,” he said, referring to initiatives involving high-tech manufacturing, free trade zones and economic zones.
The remarks come as the $88.7-billion logistics giant continues to invest in its Asia-Pacific network to improve services across more than 1,100 global trade lanes and strengthen its resilience against disruptions.
The new international air hub at Clark International Airport is UPS’ latest major investment in the region. It increases the facility’s daily package-handling capacity to 46,000 from 5,000 at its predecessor.
“This $80-million investment allows us to better serve our customers,” Mr. Sapaen told BusinessWorld. “(This) gives them better access to global markets, faster transit times, and overall better service, which will help them grow.”
UPS has also seen a positive turnout in its operations in Clark, where it first established a hub in 2002, he said. The positive outlook will likely continue as discussions on investments continue in the area, while more companies also choose to expand and locate their operations in Clark.
Similar opportunities can also be seen in other areas in the country, and the company seeks to capitalize on this growth.
“We’re very excited to capture those opportunities,” Mr. Sapaen said. “We are very optimistic as well about the future of UPS in the country.”
The outlook comes as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved P297.14 billion worth of investments for 222 new and expansion projects from January to September 2026, up 92.1% from the same period last year, it said in a statement last week.
The projects are expected to generate $8.94 billion in exports and create 33,331 direct jobs. — Edg Adrian A. Eva