Marcos OKs new Batangas, Iloilo economic zones

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued two new proclamations designating new economic zones in Tanauan City, Batangas, and in Iloilo City, Iloilo Province. 

Proclamation No 1127 designates four parcels of land in Barangays Pagaspas and Trapiche in Tanauan City, Batangas as part of the existing First Industrial Township-Special Economic Zone. 

“The expanded ecozone covers a total land area of 55,859 square meters. The site is strategically located near the CALABARZON Road and the San Juan River in Tanauan City,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1128 will convert parcels of land along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael in District of Mandurriao, Iloilo City as the Atria Gardens, an information technology park. 

PCO said the upcoming economic zone in Iloilo City spans 48,569 meters. 

Both the new economic zones in Luzon and in Visayas are established in pursuant to the  to Republic Act No. 7916, or the "Special Economic Zone Act of 1995," as amended by RA No. 8748 enacted in 1999, upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

“The establishment and expansion of these economic zones are expected to attract more investments, generate employment, and contribute to sustained economic growth in the regions,” said PCO. 

The two proclamations were signed by authority of the President by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on January 6. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News