MindaNews / 16 December – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is hoping to establish more economic zones (ecozones) next year in a bid to attract long-term investments in the region.
Sukarno Abas, Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) executive director, on Monday urged investors to locate in the Bangsamoro region as he disclosed efforts to establish new economic zones in the region.
He particularly invited prospective investors to locate at the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, which is considered as the region’s flagship logistics and industrial hub.
Abas disclosed the development of the proposed WOW Matanog Special Economic Zone or Bangsamoro Halal Park in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, which is envisioned as a halal agri-industrial.
In Tawi-Tawi, he said the proposed ecozones include a maritime and tourism zone, and a modern freeport and logistics hub that will position the island-province as BARMM’s gateway to the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.
Abas said the additional proposed ecozones include agro-industrial hubs in Cotabato City and Lamitan City in Basilan, and an agricultural ecozone in Wao, Lanao del Sur – each designed to leverage the unique strengths of their host and surrounding localities.
“Through these economic zones, BEZA aims to generate decent employment, stimulate local industries, enhance value-adding activities, and contribute to both regional and national economic growth, while ensuring that benefits directly reach Bangsamoro communities,” he said in a statement.
Minister Farserina Mohammad of the Bangsamoro Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) also vowed to prioritize the Polloc Freeport and Ecozone as a major hub for trade and investments in the region.
She earlier said that Polloc Freeport should open greater opportunities for growth, competitiveness and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro region.
Mohammad is envisioning the Pollo Freeport as a “standard-setter” for the Bangsamoro region in driving sustainable economic progress.
The 129-hectare Polloc port was declared a freeport and special economic zone in 2010 by the Bureau of Customs and the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, respectively.
Under Republic Act 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, businesses operating in special economic zones can enjoy fiscal incentives and local and national tax exemptions, among others.
Abas said the Polloc Freeport received a big boost last August with the construction of an industrial warehouse, which would expand its warehousing and logistics capabilities.
The project involves the construction of six sub-warehouses, each with dimensions of 20 meters by 40 meters, consolidated into a single industrial warehouse complex to reinforce PFEZ’s role as a strategic trade and logistics hub in BARMM, he said.
He noted that the freeport must not be regarded as a side initiative but as a flagship of the Bangsamoro economy.
“If we fail to prioritize it, we fail to maximize one of our region’s greatest assets. But if we succeed, PFEZ can become a true engine of growth—creating jobs, attracting industries, and generating revenues that will sustain our people for generations,” Abas said. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
