Manila: The Board of Directors of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has recently given the green light to the Palawan Mega Ecozone (PMEZ), a collaborative initiative between PEZA and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). This ambitious project aims to transform BuCor’s unused land into eco-friendly industrial estates that will generate employment opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ecozone, which received approval on May 21, stands as a significant undertaking under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. The Palawan Mega Ecozone is set to cover a sprawling 28,000-hectare area within the Iwahig Penal Colony, located adjacent to Puerto Princesa City. This development is anticipated to create over 480,000 direct jobs, with an initial 4,000 hectares already earmarked for conversion as part of Phase 1 of the project.
The ecozone’s pre-qualification grant includes a 4,000-hectare property in Montible and Sta. Lucia, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, approved for development. The PMEZ is designed to enhance trade ties among ASEAN member states, particularly in the context of US tariffs. It aims to attract industries focused on agro-industrial processing, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and marine biotechnology, balancing economic growth with the preservation of Palawan’s biodiversity.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga highlighted that the ecozone’s development will boost local communities through job creation and infrastructure enhancement. To expedite the ecozone’s proclamation, a technical working group has been established. This group comprises government entities including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), the host local government unit, and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.
PEZA aims to complete all regulatory requirements by the second quarter of 2025 before submitting the proposal to the Office of the President for official proclamation.
