ECOZONE DEVELOPMENT. Philippine Economic Zone Authority Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino and Director General Tereso Panga, Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and Department of Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco (from left) sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a co-development and revenue sharing scheme at the PEZA office in Pasay City on Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2024). The deal seeks to establish economic zones on portions of BuCor lands. (Photo courtesy of DOJ)
MANILA – The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) signed on Tuesday an agreement to establish economic zones on portions of land under BuCor.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. is a co-development and revenue sharing scheme, according to a news release.
BuCor will prepare the documentary requirements for the issuance of a presidential proclamation for the establishment and development of economic zones.
It shall determine and provide an inventory of idle BuCor lands that are viable for development of economic zones such as agro-forestry ecozones, defense industrial complex and mineral processing ecozones.
PEZA will facilitate the registration of identified and proposed lands under BuCor.
Catapang said the agency has more than 32,000 hectares of available land for possible ecozone development.
Of the total, 25,000 hectares are in Iwahig, Palawan; 7,000 hectares in Sablayan, Mindoro; and 300 hectares at the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa.
"They will help us identify what industries can be put up there, let's say solar [energy] or wind, or food security," Catapang said.
In terms of hiring workers, Catapang said persons deprived of their liberty will be prioritized.
Panga urged investors to locate in the mega ecozone project, which will be located in Palawan.
"The mega ecozone is ideal for hosting various sectors and entire supply chains, particularly those focused on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability," he said.
"Emerging industries like electric vehicle production, advanced manufacturing, green ores processing, nano tech, knowledge-based and Artificial Intelligence-driven industries, medical-related industries, and blue industries will find a conducive environment within this eco-industrial township, allowing us to promote clean and green production and integrate industry 4.0 technologies across supply chains," he added. (PNA)
