President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the expansion of Lima Technology Center-Special Economic Zone in Batangas, opening additional land for businesses that can bring more jobs, investments and income opportunities to the province.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto lauded the President’s approval as part of the administration’s economic expansion efforts to position the Philippines as a competitive destination for manufacturing, exports and investment.
Under Proclamation No. 1499, Marcos designated 79,937 square meters, or nearly eight hectares, in Barangay Bagong Pook, Malvar, for inclusion in the existing economic zone upon the recommendation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
“President Marcos’ approval of the LIMA ecozone expansion opens more opportunities for Batangas—more investments, more jobs and more business for our local suppliers,” Recto said.
“Ang pangarap ng Pangulong Marcos, ang trabaho na ang lalapit sa mga Pilipino.”
“Ang pangarap ng Pangulong Marcos, ang trabaho na ang lalapit sa mga Pilipino. Hindi na kailangan maipit sa trapiko palabas ng probinsya dahil may trabaho nang nakatanaw pagbukas ng mga bintana at pintuan,” he explained.
The additional land provides room for new factories and the expansion of existing businesses, with potential benefits extending to local suppliers, construction workers, transport operators and establishments serving the industrial workforce.
“May dagdag na kita rin para sa mga karinderya, tindahan, transport operators at iba pang maliliit na negosyo sa paligid.”
“Kapag may bagong pabrika, hindi lang ang mga empleyado nito ang nakikinabang. May dagdag na kita rin para sa mga karinderya, tindahan, transport operators at iba pang maliliit na negosyo sa paligid,” Recto added.
The LIMA expansion follows similar approvals by Marcos for other industrial zones, providing more space for investments and employment outside Metro Manila.
In Batangas, the President approved an additional 7.2 hectares for the First Philippine Industrial Park II in Sto. Tomas in March 2026 and approximately 30.8 hectares for the Light Industry & Science Park IV in Malvar in July. He also approved additional land for the First Philippine Industrial Park III in Tanauan in October.
Marcos also approved the expansion of the Suntrust Ecotown Tanza–Special Economic Zone in Cavite by approximately 33.1 hectares in July 2026.
“Together, these approvals support efforts to expand industrial activity in the regions and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for manufacturing, exports and investment,” Recto said.
LIMA hosts more than 200 companies which include electronics, semiconductors, automotive components, precision manufacturing, logistics and consumer goods.
Among its major businesses are Epson Precision (Philippines), Yamaha Motor Philippines and Kinpo, whose operations support networks of component manufacturers and other suppliers.
Citing data from its developer and operator, Aboitiz Economic Estates, LIMA has attracted P128.9 billion in cumulative investments and supports approximately 75,000 jobs in Batangas.
“This expansion of ecozones in the country gives more companies room to grow and more Filipinos a chance to find work closer to home,” Recto said.
