Iloilo City is gearing up for a major economic boost after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. designated a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mandurriao district, projected to generate 2,200 new jobs and attract P550 million in investments.
Mayor Raisa Treñas welcomed the announcement, calling it a milestone for Ilonggos.
“This means more investments, more jobs, and greater opportunities for our people. The expansion and creation of SEZ will open doors for businesses, attract investors, and strengthen Iloilo City’s role as a regional economic hub,” she said.
The mayor stressed that the approval is the result of years of planning and coordinated efforts by the city government.
“This is the realization of our shared vision and hard work. Iloilo City is poised to become a safer, greener, and more competitive urban center,” said Treñas.
Meanwhile, some local business owners are worried about more competition for small businesses.
Analysts also pointed out that workforce training needs to match job growth to make sure the benefits last.
The centerpiece project, Atria Gardens IT Park, covers parcels of land along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael.
Targeted mainly at the information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors, the SEZ will offer fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including streamlined business processes and tax breaks.
According to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the move reflects the government’s continuing effort to decentralize economic growth and reduce the concentration of investments in Metro Manila.
“This step demonstrates the administration’s commitment to spreading economic opportunities across the regions,” he said.
Iloilo City already hosts PEZA-accredited economic zones focused on IT and BPO services.
The newly approved SEZ aims to diversify the local economy, enabling ventures in tourism, industrial estates, and export-processing activities.IMT
