The Marcos administration is positioning newly declared Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as key drivers of economic growth, with Malacañang saying the move aims to attract investments outside traditional business centers and accelerate job creation.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the new ecozones in Parañaque, Laguna, and Misamis Oriental are intended to capitalize on each location’s strengths, ranging from digital services and innovation to agro-industrial development, while helping reduce Metro Manila’s concentration of economic activity.
“These areas continue to draw investor interest due to their strategic locations, skilled labor force, strong infrastructure, and dependable utilities,” Recto said in a statement on Sunday. He added that granting formal SEZ status provides investors with stability and incentives that encourage long-term investment.
The proclamations, signed on Dec. 16, 2025, approved the establishment of an information technology hub in Aseana City, Parañaque; an agro-industrial estate in Medina, Misamis Oriental; and the Filinvest Innovation Park in Laguna. The mix reflects the government’s strategy of balancing urban technology hubs with countryside industrial and innovation-led development.
Malacañang said the three ecozones are expected to attract P3.03 billion in investments and create up to 7,200 jobs, supporting the administration’s goal of linking investment promotion with employment generation.
The ecozones, endorsed by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), will operate under the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, which allows registered companies to receive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives while complying with regulatory and development requirements.
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