Manila: The Marcos administration is betting on new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as fresh growth engines, with Malaca±ang hailing the latest proclamations as a push to spread investments beyond traditional business hubs and fast-track job creation. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the newly declared ecozones in Para±aque, Laguna, and Misamis Oriental are designed to tap each area's competitive advantage, from digital services and innovation to agro-industrial production, while easing pressure on Metro Manila-centric growth.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto emphasized that these significant areas continue to attract investors because of their strategic location, skilled workforce, good infrastructure, and reliable utilities. He noted that formal SEZ status gives investors the predictability and incentives needed to commit long-term capital. Under the proclamations, signed on Dec. 16, 2025, the government greenlit an Information Technology hub in Aseana City, Paranaque; an agro-industrial estate in Medina, Misamis Oriental; and the Filinvest Innovation Park in Laguna. This signals a deliberate mix of urban tech, countryside industry, and innovation-driven development.
Malaca±ang stated that the three ecozones are projected to draw PHP3.03 billion in investments and generate up to 7,200 jobs, reinforcing the administration's strategy of pairing investment incentives with employment creation. The ecozones, recommended by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), will operate under the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995. This allows registered firms to enjoy fiscal and non-fiscal incentives while meeting regulatory and development standards.
