US DFC eyes investments in Philippines transport, energy, mining

MANILA, Philippines — The US International Development Finance Corp. (DFC) is looking at potential investments in the Philippines in the areas of transport infrastructure, energy and mining under its $205 billion investment program.

In a virtual briefing, US DFC chief policy officer Caroline Vik said the Philippines is among the countries that may benefit from the US investment arm.

Vik recently visited the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia as part of efforts to build an investment pipeline in the region.

In the Philippines, she cited potential investments in transport infrastructure, mining and energy projects.

“We talked about — both with the government ministers as well as our private sector meetings…a range of projects, from transport infrastructure projects — ports, rail, airports — to potential mining projects, as well as a lot of discussion about both energy generation and grid modernization projects,” she said.

She said the DFC is also interested in supporting initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and the US-led Pax Silica.

Launched in April 2024 by the Philippines, US and Japan, the LEC initiative aims to strengthen connectivity and improve infrastructure along the corridor connecting Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas.

Meanwhile, the Pax Silica initiative aims to promote a secure and resilient supply chain for artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

An AI industrial hub is being developed in New Clark City under Pax Silica.

“In terms of the Luzon Corridor, I think we’ve identified a bunch of potential projects for financing are looking for more,” Vik said.

She also said that DFC is ready to help the US State Department advance the Pax Silica economic zone.

She said there were also discussions with the Maharlika Investment Corp. on energy generation and grid modernization projects.

The DFC works with the private sector to advance US diplomatic and economic interests and help drive economic growth in partner countries.