In a strategic move to boost economic development, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) are advocating for the inclusion of Mimaropa’s island provinces in the Luzon Economic Growth Area. This initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement aimed at transforming the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, into a bustling economic zone.
The Luzon Economic Growth Area, a vital corridor spanning central and northern Luzon, includes major economic hubs such as Metro Manila, Batangas, and Central Luzon. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized the importance of integrating Palawan into this corridor, highlighting the province’s development plan that focuses on creating a sustainable, technology-driven environment.
The plan for Palawan aims to position it as a leader in Agri-Agro Industrial Development, connecting it to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, which is dedicated to enhancing socioeconomic development in underdeveloped regions.
Catapang noted that the agreement will convert over 2,000 hectares of unused land within BuCor’s jurisdiction into productive economic zones. This transformation is expected to generate employment opportunities in rural areas, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of both local residents and inmates.
The agreement aligns with BuCor’s mandate under the Bucor Modernization Act, which encourages the use of its lands for both inmate rehabilitation and economic development. PEZA has been granted the authority to develop, operate, and manage this land as a Special Economic Zone for an initial 50-year period, with the option to extend for another 25 years.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga stated that this partnership not only aims to revitalize land use but also supports the broader objectives of the Philippine Economic Development Plan 2023-2028. The plan focuses on increasing investment in ecozones, thereby boosting rural economies and creating varied job opportunities through innovative models like agro-forestry ecozones and aquamarine parks.