Recto: Special Economic Zone status to boost jobs, future-ready industries across Phl
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EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph Recto was happy to point out that the country’s low and stable inflation was a factor cited by S&P Global Ratings when it reaffirmed the Philippines’ BBB+ rating with a Positive Outlook, signaling continued investor confidence in the administration’s economic management. With inflation easing, the BSP now has more room to adjust policy rates, which could stimulate household spending and broader economic activity.
Philippine news agency
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the economic benefits of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s latest initiatives, designating key areas in Parañaque, Laguna, and Misamis Oriental as Special Economic Zones (ecozones), a move expected to attract billions in investments and generate thousands of jobs nationwide.
“These significant areas continue to attract investors because of their strategic location, skilled workforce, good infrastructure, and reliable utilities,” Recto said in a statement on Sunday.
He noted that the new ecozones will help strengthen the country’s competitiveness.
“Kaya nararapat lang na magkaroon dito ng mga (So it is only fitting to designate) Special Economic Zone. With this, we can keep building future-ready industries and generate more job opportunities not just for our kababayans in the said areas, but for all Filipinos across the country,” he added.
Under Proclamation No. 1111, a property located at 8912 ASEAN Avenue in Aseana City, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, has been declared a Special Economic Zone to serve as a cutting-edge Information Technology hub aimed at accelerating digital development.
Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1112 establishes several parcels of land along National Road, Purok 9, in Barangays Cabug and Maanas, Municipality of Medina, Misamis Oriental, as an Agro-Industrial Economic Zone to be known as the Alloco Development Corp. Industrial Estate.
Proclamation No. 1113 also launches the Filinvest Innovation Park in Barangays Bubuyan and Punta in Laguna, positioning the area as a center for innovation-driven economic activity.
Recto signed the three proclamations on 16 December 2025, following the recommendation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Board of Directors.
Collectively, the newly proclaimed ecozones are projected to attract a total investment of PHP 3.03 billion and generate up to 7,200 jobs.
Special Economic Zones are designated areas where businesses may enjoy fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, depending on location and industry priority. These include industrial estates, export processing zones, information technology parks, and tourism or recreational economic zones, among others.
All ecozones are subject to compliance with 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 also followed the recommendation of the PEZA Board of Directors.
