Iloilo’s first ecozone seen to create more jobs

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has officially declared the Iloilo Gateway & Cyberscape in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia, an economic zone — the first in the province.

The ecozone, which houses a hotel and a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, is expected to entice more investors and become the province’s economic driver.

“I am very glad that Iloilo is getting to be competitive,” PEZA director-general Charito Plaza told reporters.

The declaration should inspire Pavia’s neighboring towns to create their own ecozones, said Iloilo Gateway Development Corporation president Angel De Leon Jr.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is seeing the ecozone to create jobs for Ilonggos and prompt more economic activities.

“This is very significant. We now have an investment area. We can grant fiscal incentives through the economic zone kag magahatag ini sang obra sa madamo naton nga mga kasimanwa. When you have an economic zone, economic activities will increase,” he said.Lucille Jan Golilao/IMT