The government has lifted the ban on economic zone registrations for IT parks and centers in Metro Manila, a move aimed at attracting high-value investment in sectors such as information technology and business process management.
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go explained that Administrative Order No. 45 restores the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s authority to establish IT centers and parks within the capital region, positioning the area as a strategic hub for innovation-driven businesses.
PEZA noted that ending the moratorium will allow the agency to better meet the evolving needs of IT-BPM firms seeking suitable locations.
PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga described the order as a major policy breakthrough that strengthens the country’s competitiveness for the next wave of technology-enabled investments.
The decision also supports plans to explore new IT-BPM markets in countries such as Australia and Japan.
Five IT parks and centers in Metro Manila currently have pending ecozone registration applications, including projects in Makati, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, and Makati again.
These projects are led by MJ Landtrade Development Corp., Triumvirate Development Corp., Ayala Land, Aseana Holdings, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Investment Holdings and Services.
Developers of these sites will not receive fiscal incentives under the agency’s resolution, although qualified IT-BPM enterprises can still access applicable incentives under existing laws.
The policy seeks to expand the supply of PEZA-registered locations for eligible IT-BPM firms without extending additional incentives to property developers.
PEZA highlighted that 44 percent of available office space in Metro Manila is considered aging, and the new order will help replenish and modernize the pipeline of ready spaces.
To date, the region hosts 178 IT parks and centers, accommodating 1,072 locator companies.
