The first information technology (IT) park in South Cotabato will begin operation in January 2026, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the PEZA said Deputy Director General for Operations Vivian Santos signed a registration agreement with Matutum Holdings Development Corporation President Rochelle Tamayo last June 19.

This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 530 last May 2, declaring the 15,000 square meters of land in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato as an IT park.

“We are confident that with the proclamation of new ecozones outside of Luzon such as the Tupi IT Park, we will be able to spur countryside development and achieve our goal of eco-zoning the country towards inclusive and sustainable development,” PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said.

The PEZA said the land development for the Tupi IT Park costs PHP80.5 million. On top of this, its first locator has invested PHP15 million, employing 600 workers.

For ecozone and IT park registration, PEZA Board approves the project through a Board Resolution, then it will be endorsed to the Office of the President for proclamation once documentary requirements are complete.

Once proclaimed, PEZA and the project proponent will sign a registration agreement and the former will issue the corresponding certificate of registration to the latter. (PNA)