The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) are moving to develop proposed economic zones in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte, potentially opening new investment and job opportunities across the Bangsamoro region.
During a Sept. 21 meeting, BEZA Executive Director Sukarno Abas said the agency had received several ecozone proposals, most of them initiated by local government units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The planned developments are also tied to trade facilitation efforts under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which aims to deepen economic integration and cross-border trade among participating areas.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga backed BEZA’s request for a work immersion program to give its personnel hands-on technical expertise in economic zone administration and development.
The two agencies are seeking to strengthen BEZA’s capacity to establish investment-ready ecozones that can attract locators, generate employment and drive economic activity outside major urban centers.
They also discussed joint investment promotion campaigns and possible coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority.
Another area of cooperation is the development of halal hubs and agro-industrial zones, with BEZA offering its expertise and best practices in halal-related industries.
PEZA’s Mindanao Cluster head, Abdullah Adel-Khan Alug, will lead technical assistance and coordination with BEZA.
PEZA said its Mindanao Cluster 4 has generated P171 billion in investments, with investor interest continuing to rise for a second consecutive year.
If developed, the proposed Bangsamoro ecozones could broaden Mindanao’s industrial base while giving local businesses more opportunities to plug into regional supply chains.
