Nestled in the province of Cavite, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Ecozones are pillars of industrial growth and innovation, playing a vital role in the nation’s economic development. These zones, including the prominent Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), Gateway Business Park, and the newly expanded NDC Industrial Estate, have transformed the local landscape into a bustling hub for manufacturing, high-tech industries, and exports.
The Cavite Ecozone, in particular, is a key location for businesses looking for a skilled labor force, modern infrastructure, and seamless integration into global supply chains. It also plays a key role in the country’s goal to become one of the most competitive economies in Southeast Asia.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has underscored the importance of these ecozones in advancing industrial growth and creating opportunities for Filipinos. This will also help make the Philippines a top investment destination for foreign and local firms.
“The expansion of these ecozones not only boosts economic activity but also provides opportunities for Filipinos to participate in the global value chain,” he said.
A closer look at these approved projects reveals a growing focus on new and emerging industries; however, export manufacturing remains a dominant area for PEZA, with nearly half of the approved projects in this sector further contributing to the country’s growing exports and trade relationships. PEZA has reported over ₱201 billion in approved investments, marking a 13.5% increase compared to last year.
Bob Bismonte: A PEZA Success Story
The continued growth in the ecozone is suitable for the economy and has also helped Filipino employees working in companies in PEZA-administered zones. One of them is Bob Bismonte, a mechanical engineer and Design Director at Global 3D Systems (G3D).
After working abroad for six years in Germany, Bob returned to the Philippines, believing that with the right qualifications and dedication, the country still offered professional and personal growth opportunities. At PEZA’s Cavite Ecozone, he found a platform to innovate and thrive.
Bob is recognized internationally for his engineering skills, particularly for developing the T2000 printer, which uses liquid resin for 3D printing applications in the medical, dental, and automotive industries. This innovation, patented in the USA and the Philippines, has positioned G3D as a desktop 3D printing industry leader.
In January 2025, Bob and his team are set to receive the “Best Innovation Award” at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, for their groundbreaking gaming controller program designed for physically handicapped children.
“Ang entry po namin ay tinawag naming ‘Gaming Controller.’ Ginagamit po ito ng mga batang handicapped na hindi makapaglaro pero magaling naman. Halimbawa, kahit putol ang isang kamay ng bata ay pwede pa rin siyang makapaglaro,” Bob shared.
Bob credits PEZA and G3D for providing an empowering environment where his ideas are nurtured and brought to life.
“Dahil nahikayat ng PEZA ang locators tulad ng G3D na mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, ako ay nakakuha ng opportunity na kung saan lahat ng idea ko ay naisasakatuparan. Masasabi ko na ako ay empowered to innovate Filipino-made products that could compete globally,” he said.
His story is just one example of the success enabled by PEZA ecozones, which now host 4,382 locator companies and provide employment to 1.8 million Filipinos.
Diversifying Beyond Manufacturing
With President Marcos Jr. ‘s directive for PEZA “to diversify beyond manufacturing,” Director General Tereso Panga emphasized the agency’s commitment to exploring strategic industries such as health and medical care, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
“PEZA has been an essential driver of industrial growth for 30 years, but we must now move into new and emerging sectors to secure the Philippines’ future as a global investment hub,” Panga said.
He highlighted the construction of the first pharmaceutical park in Tarlac as a step forward in this direction.
PEZA has also attracted major technology players like Samsung, Murata, TDK, and Taiyo Yuden, which produce multi-layered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), as well as Onsemi with its Silicon Carbide manufacturing and other players developing battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs).
“PEZA is also home to Texas Instruments, the country’s biggest exporter. Companies like TI help position the Philippines as a key player in the global semiconductor and electronics market,” Panga noted.
To promote innovation, Panga discussed the Knowledge Innovation Science and Technology (KIST) parks. “We also need to venture into Research and Development innovations. These KIST parks, hosted within colleges and universities, are designed to enhance R&D efforts and foster collaboration between academia and industry,” he said.
Panga remains optimistic about the Philippines’ future as Asia’s investment capital. “With our early adoption of the economic zone model, we are well-positioned to lead industrial growth in Southeast Asia,” he concluded.
PEZA is now eyeing the possibility of developing 16,000 hectares of public land in Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, in partnership with the Bureau of Corrections, to construct the Philippine Mega Economic Zone, which aims to attract significant investments create more job opportunities.
