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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider More jobs await in manufacturing, IT with approval of new ecozones—Recto

More jobs await in manufacturing, IT with approval of new ecozones—Recto

Published Jan 14, 2026 02:16 pm
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Thousands of new jobs in manufacturing and information technology (IT) are expected to be created after President Marcos approved new and expanded special economic zones in Batangas and Iloilo, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said.
“The new ecozones reinforce the Marcos Jr. administration’s push to disperse investments beyond Metro Manila, bringing economic opportunities closer to Filipinos,” Recto said on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming trabaho ang naghihintay sa Batangas, Iloilo, at mga kalapit na lugar. Mas lalakas ang ekonomiya sa mga probinsya, at tuloy-tuloy ang pag-angat ng kabuhayan ng ating mga pamilya (It means, more jobs are waiting in Batangas, Iloilo, and other neighboring areas. The economy in the provinces will become stronger, and the livelihood of our families will continue to improve),” Recto added.
Under Proclamation No. 1127, several parcels of land in Barangays Pagaspas and Trapiche in Tanauan City, Batangas were transformed and integrated into the existing First Industrial Township–Special Economic Zone (FIT-SEZ).
The FIT-SEZ currently hosts 14 Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered enterprises employing 1,634 workers. 
With the expansion, the ecozone is expected to attract additional manufacturing locators, generating P1.5 billion in new investments and creating 1,850 more jobs for Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1128 establishes several parcels of land along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City as a new IT Park Special Economic Zone to be known as Atria Gardens.
The IT Park is projected to draw P550 million in investments and create 2,200 jobs, further strengthening Iloilo’s position as a growing hub for IT and business process services.
The proclamations were signed by the Executive Secretary on Jan. 6.
Special Economic Zones are designated areas where businesses can enjoy fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and privileges, depending on their location and industry priority. These include industrial estates, export processing zones, information technology parks, tourism/recreational economic zones, and others.
The ecozones are subject to compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7916 or the “Special Economic Zone Act of 1995” as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and relevant PEZA Board Resolutions. 
The new proclamations followed the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the PEZA.

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President Marcos special economic zone jobs ralph recto
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