Recto says new ecozones to provide jobs in Batangas, Iloilo

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday expressed confidence that thousands of employment for Filipinos could be generated following the creation of new and expanded Special Economic Zones (ecozones) in the provinces of Batangas and Iloilo.

“The new ecozones reinforce the Marcos Jr. administration’s push to disperse investments beyond Metro Manila, bringing economic opportunities closer to Filipinos,” Recto said in a press release.

“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,” he added.

(This means more jobs await residents of Batangas, Iloilo, and nearby areas. This will strengthen the economy of the provinces and will help improve the livelihood of families.) 

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.

Following the expansion, this ecozone is expected to attract additional manufacturing locators, generating P1.5 billion in new investments as well as creating 1,850 more jobs for Filipinos.

On the other hand, Proclamation No. 1128 established several parcels of land along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City as a new IT Park Special Economic Zone, which will be known as Atria Gardens.

This IT Park is expected to generate P550 million in investments and create 2,200 jobs, which will strengthen Iloilo’s position as a growing hub for IT and business process services.

The proclamations were signed by Recto on January 6, 2026, by authority of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

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 ecozones include industrial estates, export processing zones, information technology parks, tourism/recreational economic zones, and others.

These 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. —KG, GMA Integrated News