Philippines
The Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) is a special-purpose development zone located in Baguio City within the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It operates under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the government agency responsible for developing and managing special economic zones across the country. Established over 45 years ago, BCEZ continues to serve as a major driver of industrial growth in the region.
Covering a total land area of 121 hectares, the zone is home to various industries, including manufacturing and export-oriented businesses. As a significant contributor to economic development in Northern Luzon, BCEZ plays a crucial role in attracting investments, generating employment, and facilitating industrial expansion. In 2022, Baguio was recognized as the wealthiest city outside Metro Manila, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, further underscoring its economic significance.
With its well-established infrastructure and strategic location, the Baguio City Economic Zone remains a key player in the country’s industrial landscape, reinforcing Baguio’s position as a thriving economic center.
How Baguio City Economic Zone started
Baguio City Economic Zone [map] is one of the country’s oldest manufacturing hubs and is over 40 years old. Texas Instruments Philippines Inc. (Tipi), one of the country’s biggest exporters of semiconductor products, was the first client of the Baguio export processing zone in 1979. . Atty. Rene Joey S. Mipa is the current Zone Administrator of BCEZ, after Atty. Dante M. Quindoza.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is asking the mayors of the municipalities adjacent to the zone to help look for areas for possible economic zone expansions. The city is to help provide the necessary manpower. These areaa are named as BLISTT which stands for Baguio and the towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay. Theyare engaged in a social and economic collaboration. BLISTT could also help pilot the creation of “smart townships” around or within new ecozones. BLISTT has sufficient land to host investors which Baguio could no longer accommodate.
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has rejected the proposal of the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) to operate, maintain and manage the power distribution system of Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) for 25 years.
PEZA Drives Investment at Baguio City Economic Zone
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recently convened its first Board Meeting for 2024 in the Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) from January 25 to 27, 2024. Led by PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and BCEZ Zone Administrator Emmanuel O. Cortero, the meeting focused on fostering investments and enhancing collaborations with zone locators.
During the event, the groundbreaking ceremony for the BCEZ Multi-Purpose Center was held, alongside visits to prominent companies like TI (Philippines), Inc. and Moog Controls Corporation (Philippine Branch). The Board approved significant investments totaling PhP 2.21 billion, contributing to exports worth $69.62 million and creating 1,337 direct jobs from various sectors.
PEZA expressed optimism in securing additional investments in the coming months, highlighting ongoing projects across different economic zones in the Philippines. Director General Panga commended BCEZ’s infrastructure progress and assured continued support for upcoming investment initiatives from TI and Moog Controls Corporation.
About Baguio
Baguio is a moutain resort city located in Benguet of Northern Luzon, Philippines. Considered to be the country’s Summer Capital, Baguio is undoubtedly one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Also nicknamed The City of Pines, it is a popular weekend getaway for local travelers based in the metro.
Filipino families also frequent Baguio when going on road trips. This is because of the city’s proximity to Manila and its colder climate owing to its high elevation. The temperature in Baguio is about 7 to 8 °C cooler than the lowland with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 23 °C.
Lowest temperatures are recorded between November and February. Making this a great destination for those who want to escape the heat and humidity in Manila, especially during the colder Christmas season.