The planned lifting of the moratorium on new Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) information technology parks and centers is poised to unlock about 480,000 square meters of office space, giving business process outsourcing (BPO) firms a much larger pool of PEZA-accredited workplaces as expansion demand gathers pace.
Real estate consultancy Colliers said the additional inventory represents projects already under application or processing for PEZA registration, with the total expected to rise as more developers pursue accreditation once the policy change takes effect.
Kevin Jara, director and head of tenant representation at Colliers, told context.ph that the reopening of the PEZA pipeline could significantly widen location choices for occupiers without disrupting ongoing leasing decisions.
The longer-term outlook is even larger. Around 600,000 sq.m. of office space scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2030 has already been proclaimed by PEZA, while another 370,000 sq.m. could enter the pipeline after the lifting of Administrative Order 18, subject to developers’ final investment plans.
The move comes after PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga disclosed that Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque approved the lifting of the moratorium.
Among the first projects expected to benefit are developments in Arca South, Bridgetowne, and a Yuchengco-owned office building in Makati.
Jara said BPO companies are unlikely to postpone expansion while awaiting the policy’s formal implementation. Instead, firms are expected to continue negotiating office requirements with landlords preparing for PEZA accreditation.
He added that the expanded inventory should strengthen the sector’s growth pipeline while supporting the government’s push to spread investments beyond Metro Manila, with many foreign locators typically establishing operations in the capital before expanding into major provincial business hubs.
