ILOILO – The Iloilo Gateway & Cyberscape in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia town has been declared an economic zone – the first in the province – by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
It is seen to attract more investors and become an economic driver.
Iloilo Gateway & Cyberscape currently hosts a hotel and a business process outsourcing (BPO) company but more are expected to come in. It plans to develop a nearby 10-hectare lot for the projected surge in investors.
“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,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
He also said Iloilo province having such a zone shows that commerce in Iloilo City is spilling over to the province.
For his part, Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta of Pavia welcomed the designation of an economic zone in his town.
“We are very thankful for this opportunity…we will make sure to…work hand in hand,” he said.
Meanwhile, Angel L. De Leon Jr., president of Iloilo Gateway Development Corp., said the Pavia-based economic zone should inspire other towns to also work to have their own similar zones to stir economic growth.
“I am very glad that Iloilo is getting to be competitive,” said PEZA director-general Charito Plaza./PN
