The Philippines is pivoting its digital expansion strategy as Metro Manila reopens to new Information Technology (IT) ecozone developments following the lifting of Administrative Order No. 18 (AO 18).
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that removing the moratorium responds directly to strong investor demand, unlocking new commercial real estate prospects and driving growth in the country’s digital economy.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the decision from the Office of the President, calling it a pivotal policy reform for the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector.
“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomes the Office of the President’s decision to officially lift the Administrative Order No. 18 (AO 18) moratorium on IT ecozone expansion in Metro Manila,” Roque said.
“This major policy reform is a resounding victory for the IT-BPM sector and a decisive step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for digital services,” she added.
Roque noted that the lifting of the ban was the result of joint advocacy among key government agencies and industry leaders.
“This milestone is a testament to the strong collaboration between the DTI, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and our industry stakeholders who strongly advocated for this reform,” she said.
“As we open new avenues for growth in Metro Manila alongside our continuous push to develop regional IT hubs, we are positioning the IT-BPM sector to generate thousands of high-quality jobs, attract foreign direct investments, and ensure economic growth nationwide,” Roque said.
With the renewed momentum, the DTI is encouraging international businesses to capitalize on the country’s expanded investment opportunities.
“We invite our global partners and prospective investors to take full advantage of this renewed momentum and build their future here in the Philippines,” Roque said.