Several government properties in Ilocos Norte are being eyed to be declared as economic zones to speed up development and help improve the economy.

The creation of ecozones will drive development in the province by attracting strategic investments with a focus on diversifying industries, Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office head Rona Leigh Cheng Bueno said in an interview Tuesday.

Among the proposed economic zones for manufacturing and information technology (IT) parks are the newly constructed Dap-ayan Center and Capitol Extension Building in Laoag City.

“We need to foster a business-friendly environment by streamlining business processes and attracting strategic investments with a focus on diversifying industries in the province,” Bueno said.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte unanimously approved Provincial Resolution No. 391-2025 authorizing Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to represent the provincial government in the execution of all documents required by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for the declaration of ecozones.

Some of the documents which are now being processed by the provincial government include the pre-qualification clearance, endorsement of a proposed economic zone for presidential proclamation, and registration agreement.

The United States Department of State earlier released a statement about the investment climate in the Philippines, highlighting PEZA as a one-stop-shop agency for investors known for its regulatory transparency and no red-tape policy.

In 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Ilocos Norte is the fastest growing economy in the Ilocos Region with services, accommodation, transportation and storage among the major industries that posted strong output, ranging from 15. 6 percent to 29.7 percent.

In 2020, the state-run Mariano Marcos State University hosted the establishment of Special Economic Zone Institute (SEZI) to attract more investments in the province.

The creation of SEZI under the stewardship of PEZA has enhanced partnerships and collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Science and Technology, local government units, and industry associations to make Filipinos multi-skilled and world-class workers. (PNA)