THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said 27 economic zones (ecozones) have been proclaimed during the Marcos administration.
“11 ecozones were proclaimed in 2023 (involving investment of) P3.538 billion. In 2024, 16 more ecozones at P5.637 billion. The zones are a mix of (information technology) and manufacturing,” PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga said at a briefing.
The investment promotion agency (IPA) said that the top nine local government units outside of Metro Manila, except Batanes, host PEZA ecozones.
“We see a direct correlation between LGUs hosting ecozones and higher levels of progress. This means a lot to us,” Mr. Panga said.
PEZA projects investment approvals this year at P215 billion, exceeding its target of P200 billion.
Mr. Panga said PEZA dividends remitted to the National Government for 2024 amounted to P1.36 billion, up from P900.14 million a year earlier, and the highest since 2021. — Adrian H. Halili