12 LGUs push for new ecozones to spur regional growth

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said at least 12 local government units (LGUs) have formally expressed interest in hosting new economic zones, further strengthening the country’s investment prospects.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga named among the proponents Naga City, San Pablo City, Pagudpud, and Digos City, noting that these areas would join the network of 427 operating ecozones already spread across the country.

Last week, PEZA officials conducted due diligence visits to proposed ecozones in San Andres, Quezon; Pamplona, Camarines Sur; and Libon, Albay. Panga said the locations are strategically connected to the ports of San Andres, Pasacao, and Pantao, which face the Ragay Gulf.

“This will stimulate regional economic growth as the goods produced and raw materials needed in the ecozones can be facilitated through barge deliveries. Moreover, these ports can serve as vital gateways for domestic and international commerce, tourism, and inter-island transportation,” he explained.

Panga also confirmed engagements with leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help guide their ecozone initiatives.

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, PEZA is mandated to accelerate its ecozone transformation roadmap, which now includes new categories such as agro-forestry, defense, and halal zones.

Panga emphasized that ecozones consistently prove beneficial to local economies, citing Philippine Statistics Authority data showing that most of the country’s top-performing LGUs in terms of GDP growth and investment hosting have economic zones.

“The bigger the number of ecozones and locator companies in a city or municipality, the higher its level of socio-economic progress compared to those that do not host any ecozones,” he said.

So far under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 34 new and expanded ecozones have been proclaimed, generating P14.7 billion in capital investments. PEZA is aiming for up to 30 more proclamations before the year ends.

During the first seven months of 2025, PEZA-approved investments reached P90.96 billion, more than double the P45.48 billion recorded in the same period last year.