Gov’t okays two new ecozones, two expansions

The government has so far approved two new economic zones and two expansions this year as it continues to push for investments outside the metro and spur inclusive and sustainable development.

In a statement, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said President Marcos gave his green light to the projects via four proclamations in the first half of 2025.

The projects are: new information technology (IT) parks, one each in Bacolod and Tagbilaran cities, and two expansion areas within the Lima Technology Center (LTC) in Batangas.

“As a medium-term strategy under the Philippine Development Plan, the ecozones will play a vital role in attracting the much-needed investments in the country, generating more jobs for Filipinos, and contributing in accelerating the nation’s socioeconomic progress,” Peza Director General Tereso Panga said in a statement.

On June 2, President Marcos signed Proclamation No. 919 creating the 33.96-hectare IT park in Barangay 41, Bacolod City.

Called The Upper East, the park will be developed and operated by Megaworld.

Projected to attract over P 1 billion in investments, an initial five Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing companies are expected to operate in the park, creating over 2,500 jobs.

Peza also formalized the proclamation of Tagbilaran Uptown IT Hub 2 in Bohol with the signing of a registration agreement on May 8, following the success of the first hub nearby.