The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has set an ambitious goal to double the number of registered economic zones by 2025, aiming for the proclamation of 30 additional zones next year. This initiative seeks to boost rural development and attract more investments to the country’s underserved regions.
Speaking during a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) briefing, PEZA Director General Teresa Panga outlined plans to establish new economic zones in key areas, including Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Cebu. The agency is also prioritizing rural regions like Mindanao, with a focus on agriculture and resource-based investments, particularly in sectors such as green ores.
“We want to see more ecozones in Mindanao, focusing on agriculture and resource-seeking investments,” Panga emphasized, highlighting the potential for these zones to spur economic activity in less developed areas.
Additionally, PEZA aims to diversify investment hubs by promoting IT parks in emerging cities and municipalities, moving beyond traditional metropolitan centers. However, Panga pointed out a critical challenge: the availability of ready-to-develop land. Developing a 25-hectare ecozone requires an investment of ₱1 billion to ₱2 billion, and a lack of prepared sites risks losing potential investors to regional competitors.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque echoed the need for strategic development, calling for stronger integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the ecozone ecosystem. She urged MSMEs to locate operations within PEZA zones to benefit from incentives and collaborate with larger businesses in supply chains.
“We need to aggressively create awareness of what DTI and PEZA can offer MSMEs to support their growth and inclusion in the value chain,” Roque said, stressing that rural ecozone development and MSME support must go hand in hand.
This year, 16 new ecozones were proclaimed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s approval, signaling robust government support for investment-led economic growth.
PEZA’s 2025 target aligns with national efforts to attract foreign investments, expand economic activities in underserved areas, and solidify the Philippines' position as a competitive investment destination in Southeast Asia. By addressing infrastructure gaps and fostering inclusivity, the initiative seeks to catalyze sustainable development across the countryside.
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