Ecozones in the Philippines are geographical regions that are more free market-friendly than is usual under regular Philippine law. These ecozones are marketed towards foreign investors, and have special business benefits, such as tax exemptions and greater export production.
1. Clark Freeport Zone
The Clark Special Economic Zone, often referred to as the Clark Freeport Zone, emerged from the redevelopment of the former Air Base of the United States’ Air Force. The Manufacturing Economic Zone is made of 29,365 hectares and is run by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), A Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation.
As a freeport, it benefits from being tax-free and duty-free. The Diosdado Macapagal International Aiport can be found in Clark Freeport and is run by a subsidiary of CDC, the Clark International Airport Corporation. This airport-driven ecozone targets tourism, high-end IT industries, aviation, as well as logistics-related enterprises. The CDC works hand in hand with the Subic–Clark Alliance for Development Council.
2. Subic Bay Freeport
The Subic Bay Freeport emerged from the former US Naval facility in Subic Bay. Comprised of 67,000 hectares, the Subic Bay Freeport is known to most as a tourism hub. The freeport is home to a number of tourist spots, such as Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari. The freeport is run by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and is now a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial and investment center.
3. Baguio City Economic Zone
The Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) is known first and foremost as a tourism hub. The BCEZ is composed of 119 hectares and is located between Camp John Hay and the Philippine Military Academy.
The BCEZ, which is controlled by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, produces and exports knitted clothing, small components for vehicles, and various electronics such as computer parts and transistors. Other products in the popular tourist spot include wooden home décor and eco-friendly machinery.
4. Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (Apeco) is located in Casiguran, Aurora. The main part of Apeco is composed of 496 hectares, while the sub-zones are an additional 12,000 hectares. The government in Aurora primarily controls the ecozone. Apeco is being marketed as an eco-friendly tourism ecozone, though the infrastructure for such is still incomplete. For now, fishing and farming remain the chief industries of the ecozone.
5. Gateway Business Park
The Gateway Business Park in General Trias, Cavite is one of the few privately-owned ecozones. Comprised of 110 hectares, the Gateway Business Park houses dozens of multinational companies. Managed by the Gateway Property Holdings Inc., the park is the largest wastewater treatment plant for industrial waste and has the capacity to process three million gallons of used water daily. More than that, it is also the largest privately-owned exporter in the Philippines.
