by: Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is aiming to double the number of registered economic zones in the country by planning to establish 30 additional ecozones in 2025.
In a year-end press briefing with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PEZA Director General Tereso Panga outlined the agency’s expansion plans.
Panga noted that most developers are focusing on ecozone developments in the Calabarzon and Central Luzon regions, as well as Cebu province, while also advocating for growth in rural areas.
“We would like to see more ecozones being developed in Mindanao, particularly those focused on agriculture and resource-seeking investments, including green ores,” he said.
The PEZA chief highlighted the need for more information technology parks outside metro areas, targeting next-wave cities and municipalities for potential ecozone development.
He indicated that developing a 25-hectare ecozone could require an investment of approximately P1 billion to P2 billion.
“The challenge now is providing readily available areas for investors. If we lack land to offer, particularly for economic zones, we risk losing potential investors to regional competitors,” Panga added.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque emphasized the administration’s goal to integrate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the ecozone supply chain.
She encouraged MSMEs to explore opportunities in PEZA zones to benefit from incentives and collaborate with existing ecozone locators.
“We need to push aggressively to create awareness about what DTI has to offer to these MSMEs,” Roque said. “Supporting the creation of ecozones in the countryside goes hand in hand with MSME development.”
This year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. proclaimed 16 new ecozones, marking a significant step in the country’s economic development strategy. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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