PEZA, ERC eye strategic partnership to boost Innovation and Regulatory Synergies

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is exploring a strategic collaboration with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to establish forward-looking regulatory frameworks that support innovation and lower the cost of doing business in the country’s economic zones.

In a meeting held on July 14, 2025, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga met with ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta to discuss a potential partnership anchored on data sharing and the creation of a regulatory sandbox within PEZA-managed zones.

According to PEZA, the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aims to streamline information exchange between the two agencies, enhancing the ability to craft evidence-based and future-ready policies. A key component of the partnership would be the establishment of a regulatory sandbox — a controlled environment where new technologies and business models can be tested under relaxed regulations and close supervision.

“This would not only provide valuable data for policymakers but also promote ease of doing business and innovation within the energy sector,” PEZA said in a statement.

The initiative aligns with PEZA’s broader push to transform economic zones into innovation hubs, particularly for energy solutions, while creating a regulatory ecosystem conducive to technological advancement and investment.

PEZA and ERC officials underscored the importance of adaptive regulation in fostering competitive, resilient, and sustainable economic zones. The dialogue is expected to lead to the formalization of the MOA in the coming months.