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The Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the Bureau of Corrections are partnering to establish economic zones, including the first mega ecozone in the Philippines
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The inaugural venture aims to turn 25,000 hectares of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan into an eco-industrial township with a self-sustaining community
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The collaboration is under a memorandum of understanding signed on January 30
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The MOU calls for the establishment of PEZA ecozones in lands under BuCor authority
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) have joined forces to establish economic zones, including the country’s first mega ecozone in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed on January 30, the two agencies agreed to set up PEZA ecozones in lands under BuCor authority, PEZA said in a statement.
Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco emphasized maximizing land use development to sustain BuCor, drawing on PEZA’s expertise in administering economic zones.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., for his part, highlighted the project’s potential to provide opportunities not only for the host local government unit and region but, most importantly, employment for persons deprived of liberty.
For the inaugural venture, PEZA and BuCor are targeting the transformation of 25,000 hectares of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan into an eco-industrial township with a self-sustaining community.
PEZA director general Tereso Panga said the project will mark the fifth public ecozone in the country. He said investors are already expressing interest to establish operations in the future mega ecozone.
With the MOU, both agencies can commence land mapping and sub-zoning processes to plan the establishment of this vast eco-industrial township.
The mega ecozone is poised to be an ideal hub for hosting various sectors and entire supply chains, with a particular focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. Panga envisions the ecozone as an environment for emerging industries, such as electric vehicle production, advanced manufacturing, green ores processing, nanotech, knowledge-based and AI-driven sectors, medical-related industries, and blue industries.
Moreover, Panga anticipates the initiative will not only create more employment opportunities for Filipinos but contribute significantly to addressing critical issues such as food security, decent and affordable housing, and new urbanism.
“We will not take any shortcuts in this endeavor,” and pledged to engage experts, industry leaders, environmental advocates, and communities in the project, he vowed.
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