President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the addition of nearly eight hectares to the LIMA Technology Center in Batangas, expanding industrial space for new factories and existing companies looking to increase capacity.
Proclamation No. 1499, signed on November 4, brings 79,937 square meters in Barangay Bagong Pook, Malvar, into the existing special economic zone, potentially creating more opportunities for investments, employment, and local suppliers.
The expansion builds on an industrial estate that has attracted P128.9 billion in cumulative investments and supports approximately 75,000 jobs, according to developer and operator Aboitiz Economic Estates.
LIMA hosts more than 200 companies engaged in electronics, semiconductors, automotive components, precision manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods. Its locators include Epson Precision Philippines, Yamaha Motor Philippines, and Kinpo.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the expanded economic zone would open additional opportunities for Batangas businesses and workers.
“President Marcos’ approval of the LIMA ecozone expansion opens more opportunities for Batangas, more investments, more jobs, and more business for our local suppliers,” Recto said.
Beyond direct factory employment, additional industrial activity could generate demand for construction, transportation, food services, and other businesses supporting the estate’s workforce.
However, the proclamation did not identify prospective locators, committed investments, or the number of jobs that could result from the additional land. The economic gains will depend on how quickly the expanded area attracts companies and translates available space into actual operations.
The inclusion was recommended by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and remains subject to applicable laws, implementing rules, and conditions imposed by the PEZA board.
The move follows other industrial estate expansions in Batangas this year, including 7.2 hectares at First Philippine Industrial Park II in March and approximately 30.8 hectares at Light Industry & Science Park IV in July.
Recto said expanding economic zones would allow companies to grow while creating more opportunities for Filipinos to find employment closer to home.
For Batangas, the additional land strengthens an established industrial corridor, although its contribution to new investment and employment will ultimately depend on actual business commitments rather than the expansion in land area alone.
