By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City is set for a significant economic boost with the establishment of “The Grid,” a new IT hub, following the signing of Proclamation No. 668 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The 2,334-square-meter property, located along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, is positioned to become a major center for Information Technology (IT) activities.
An initial investment of ₱193 million has been allocated for the construction and development of the site.
The formal designation of The Grid as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was endorsed by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Board of Directors and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 27.
This move is in line with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7916, known as the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, which identifies SEZs as strategically selected areas for development into centers of agro-industrial, industrial, commercial, and financial activities.
“In collaboration with other government agencies and industry partners, PEZA furthers its commitment to eco-zoning the Philippines toward inclusive and sustainable development—para sa Bagong Pilipinas!” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga in a statement on Tuesday, September 3.
The Grid IT hub is expected to attract significant interest from the IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector, with three companies planning to set up operations. These companies are projected to inject an additional ₱10 million into the local economy and provide jobs for around 250 workers, strengthening the city’s role as a growing hub for technology and business services.
The Grid’s SEZ designation also includes tax exemptions, as Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed.
“Once it is already part of the economic zone, it (The Grid) is now exempt from taxes,” he said.
As of April 2023, the Philippines is home to 419 economic zones, 297 of which are dedicated to information technology.
