Among the most significant projects underway are the Palawan Mega Ecozone, Pantao Ecozone in Albay, and the country’s first Pharmaceutical Ecozone in Tarlac.
“Our commitment extends beyond attracting investments; it is about strategically shaping the economic landscape for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’” said Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque. “By establishing cutting-edge mega ecozones and pharma hubs, coupled with digitalization, we are laying the groundwork for inclusive prosperity.”
Key projects
A major highlight is the Palawan Mega Ecozone, envisioned as a 28,000-hectare development within the Iwahig Penal Colony under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). Spearheaded by PEZA and the Bureau of Corrections, this development aims to become a regional trade and export hub that will boost economic activity across the Western Philippines and revive trade in the BIMP-EAGA Region.
In Bicol, the Pantao Ecozone in Libon, Albay is envisioned as a strategic eastern seaboard port that connects the Indo-Pacific and opens up new growth corridors.
Supporting these landmark developments, the PEZA recently formed a technical working group with key government agencies such as the DENR, DAR, DA, DHSUD, the host LGU, and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to expedite the proclamation process.
The DTI is also addressing critical health and manufacturing needs through the First Pharmaceutical Ecozone in Tarlac.
Developed in partnership with the FDA, Tarlac LGU, and Greenstone Pharmaceuticals, this hub will focus on making medicines more affordable and accessible while boosting domestic production. On April 30, 2025, the Victoria Industrial Park was officially launched, with 13 locators signing agreements.
Digital initiatives
To improve business efficiency, the PEZA has launched several digital initiatives. Among them is the AI Tech Academy, developed in partnership with Stacktrek, Concentrix, and TESDA. It is the first TESDA-accredited AI training center in the Philippines and offers beginner to intermediate-level AI courses.
In addition, the PEZA is finalizing new work-from-home (WFH) guidelines for board approval. These propose exempting administrative and finance personnel from the 50 percent onsite requirement, granting greater flexibility for IT-BPM firms.
Ease of doing business
To simplify regulatory compliance, the agency is entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to create a One-Stop Action Center. This center will automate and fast-track tax and fire safety-related processes for registered business enterprises (RBEs).
PEZA is also pioneering sustainability reporting and eco-industrial certification, becoming the first in the country to adopt voluntary ESG-aligned reporting frameworks.
Through these combined initiatives—landmark ecozone development, pharma hub creation, and a strong digitalization drive—DTI and PEZA are charting a bold path toward a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Philippine economy. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
