PEZA proclaims MetroCas Industrial Estates as special economic zone 

On 17 April 2024, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) marked the official sealing of the proclamation of MetroCas Industrial Estates - Special Economic Zone (MIE-SEZ) proclamation through a Registration Agreement (RA). The genesis of this ecozone development can be traced back to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Proclamation No. 513, declaring six (6) parcels of land in Barangay Calibuyo, Tanza, Cavite, with a total area of 404,141 square meters (40.4 hectares) as the MIE-SEZ on 1 April 2024. This proclamation signifies a monumental step towards driving innovation, economic growth, and employment generation in the Philippines, and lays the groundwork for the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development, trade, and investment. MetroCas Properties, Inc. is the owner-developer and operator of the Township Project with Self-Use Port Facility - Special Economic Zone.

Director General Panga stated, “With this Registration Agreement signing comes the fruition of innovative and exemplary ideas of MetroCas Properties Inc., as well as technological advancements dedicated to bringing forth waves of economic growth and development for the country.”

Exploring New Horizons with MetroCas

Within the expansive borders of the MetroCas project, a careful space allocation delineated the blueprint for future development. Armed with an estimated investment of PhP 500 Million and an average of 200 skilled workers, Metrocas Properties, Inc. commenced its quest to breathe life into their vision.

With 60% earmarked for industrial endeavors and 40% reserved for common facilities, utility areas, buffer zones, and open spaces, the project's design mirrored a harmonious blend of functionality and environmental stewardship. Its utility infrastructure was meticulously designed to ensure sustainability and efficiency serves as the heart of this project. From a deep well water distribution system to comprehensive wastewater collection and treatment facilities, the owner-developed spared no effort in creating a greener, cleaner future. Firefighting systems, solid waste disposal mechanisms, and an array of amenities, including shuttle services and commercial centers, wove a tapestry of convenience and safety.

The Registration Agreement between PEZA and MetroCas embodies a commitment to excellence and progress. By joining forces with PEZA, MetroCas aims to further amplify its impact, catalyzing economic growth and development in the region. Together, these two entities will bring a wealth of expertise, resources, and determination to the table, poised to set new standards in industrial development and lead the charge in advancing industrial standards and making the Philippines a premier investment destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

The signing of the Registration Agreement is the beginning of an exciting journey towards realizing MIE-SEZ’s, as well as the local economy’s, full potential. PEZA and Metrocas will exert the necessary collaborative efforts towards a shared vision of creating a more vibrant, resilient, and prosperous economy for the benefit of all Filipinos, striving for a brighter future of industrial development in the Philippines.

Inauguration of the Tanza Container Terminal

On 25 April 2024, Asian Terminals Incorporated (ATI) hosted the inauguration of the Tanza Container Terminal Inc. (TCTI), the Philippines’ latest supply chain innovation and Cavite’s premier trade enabler, which was graced by esteemed officials such as PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, DP World Chairman & CEO His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, ATI President Mr. Eusebio Tanco, Tanza Vice Mayor Hon. Archangelo B. Matro, BOC Commissioner Hon. Bienvenido Y. Rubio, and DTI Regional Director Ms. Marissa C. Argente, among others.

The terminal, whose license was greenlighted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on  25 March 2024, aims to operate and manage a barge terminal to cater to PEZA locator companies. Granted in compliance with the guidelines outlined in Section 5 of Customs Administrative Order No. 9-2019 and Customs Memorandum Order No. 18-2022, the four-hectare facility features a concrete container yard, docking facilities with harbor cranes supported by reach-stackers, loaders, and internal transfer vehicles among other necessary equipment. TCTI will be directly linked to the Manila South Harbor through barges, which increases the efficiency of container transfers and reducing land traffic in the region.