Manila: The lifting of the moratorium on expansion of information technology (IT) zones in the National Capital Region (NCR) will help bolster the country's position as a top global site for digital services, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said. Malaca±ang has announced the lifting of Administrative Order (AO) 18, which trade officials have requested a few years back to allow more firms to put up office spaces in the country's capital that will accommodate tech-based companies.
According to Philippines News Agency, this major policy reform has been described by Roque as a crucial victory for the IT-business process management (IT-BPM) sector and an important step forward in enhancing the Philippines' reputation as a leading global destination for digital services. 'By reopening the NCR to new IT ecozones and targeted expansion, we are addressing long-standing investor demand, unlocking significant real estate opportunities, and revitalizing the ecosystem that drives our country's digital economy,' Roque stated in her announcement.
Previously, the construction of new IT economic zones in Metro Manila was prohibited by the former administration. These zones provide incentives to real property developers and their locators, aiming to encourage more investments in the countryside. However, authorities noted that investors continued to prefer Metro Manila as their location of choice, and AO 18 had restricted this preference.
Roque emphasized that lifting AO 18 illustrates the strong collaboration between the DTI, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and industry stakeholders who advocated for this reform. She highlighted that opening new growth avenues in Metro Manila, along with efforts to develop regional IT hubs, positions the IT-BPM sector to generate numerous high-quality jobs, attract foreign direct investments, and ensure nationwide economic growth. Roque extended an invitation to global partners and prospective investors to capitalize on this renewed momentum and consider building their future in the Philippines.
