Manila: The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment and expansion of four ecozones during the first half of 2025. These include two expansions of a manufacturing zone in Batangas and two new Information Technology (IT) Parks in Tagbilaran City and Bacolod City.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos issued Proclamation 910 on May 21, designating 23.49 hectares of land in Barangays Bagong Pook and Luta Sur, Malvar, Batangas to be included in the existing Lima Technology Center (LTC). This development involves an investment of more than PHP980 million and is expected to be completed by June 2027. Another expansion for the LTC was approved in March through Proclamation 846, adding 19.23 hectares to the ecozone.

On June 2, Proclamation 919 was signed by President Marcos, designating 33.96 hectares of land in Barangay 41, Bacolod City as an IT Park known as The Upper East. Operated by Megaworld, this IT Park is projected to attract over PHP1 billion in investments for the construction of two IT buildings. It is expected to host five IT-BPO companies and create more than 2,500 local jobs.

Additionally, PEZA formalized the proclamation of Tagbilaran Uptown IT Hub 2 as an IT Park in Bohol with its registration agreement signed on May 8. President Marcos signed Proclamation 821, designating three parcels of land in Dampas, Tagbilaran City with an area of about 11,237 square meters as an IT Park. This expansion aims to generate additional jobs and attract more IT-business process management locators with a projected investment of over PHP200 million.

PEZA reported that under the Marcos administration, 32 ecozones have been proclaimed, bringing in PHP13.406 billion in committed investments. PEZA Director General Tereso Panga stated that ecozones are part of a medium-term strategy under the Philippine Development Plan to attract investments, generate jobs, and contribute to the nation's socio-economic progress.