November 1, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects 14 more economic zones to be proclaimed within the year.
“We’re awaiting 14 more proclamations to be happening hopefully within the year,” PEZA director general Tereso Panga told reporters.
He said the declarations would put the investment promotion agency on track to its ambitious target of having 30 ecozones proclaimed within the year.
He said the proclamation of Palawan Mega Ecozone, which was initially expected this year, may take place next year.
Panga said the Bureau of Corrections has started the turnover of an initial 4,000 hectares out of 28,000 hectares in the Iwahig Prison colony beside Puerto Princesa City for the project.
He said the groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place this month.
PEZA plans to develop the Palawan ecozone through the public-private partnership mode, with the government providing the land as equity and firms funding the construction of facilities and amenities.
The investment promotion agency is also looking to develop a portion of the ecozone to host agro-processing companies.
In the first semester, President Marcos approved four ecozones.
Of these four ecozones, two cover the expansion projects of a manufacturing zone in Batangas, while the rest are information technology parks in Tagbilaran City and Bacolod City.
The PEZA is working with local government units and developers to promote the development of more ecozones in the country.
By establishing more ecozones, the PEZA wants to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a premier investment destination in the region.
