PEZA, BuCor to build mega ecozone in Palawan penal farm

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The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it has signed with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) a memorandum of agreement to develop more than 2,000 hectares inside the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

This first land development partnership between PEZA and BuCor is responsible for building the Palawan Mega Economic Zone, the first in the country, PEZA said. 

In a statement on Thursday, PEZA Director-General Tereso Panga said the agreement signed on Jan. 24, 2025 will kickstart the initial phase of development for Palawan Mega, so-called due to its sheer size.

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The PEZA chief and BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. officially sealed the agreement.

Panga said this ecozone will accommodate emerging and high-value industries like electric vehicle production, advanced manufacturing, green ores processing, nano tech, knowledge-based and AI-driven industries, medical-related industries, and blue industries. 

“The impact of this project will be felt all across the Region to include an immediate heightened trade within the context of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asea Growth Area) international framework,” he added.

Both agencies are rearing to work on the master plan and then start the development proper in order to create employment opportunities, especially for persons deprived of liberty or PDLs).

Catapang envisions Palawan Mega as a “clean, green, and technology-driven” development in line with PEZA’s eco-industrial framework through smart mixed-used townships. 

The BuCor chief is also pushing for Palawan to be a part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, which is supposed to be the country’s manufacturing hub. 

“Palawan is the new frontier and we want to generate income for social development and food security,” Catapang said.

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