The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iligan City have joined forces to revitalize the historic 450-hectare National Steel Corporation (NSC) property.
This strategic partnership aims to convert the idle industrial site into a modern, integrated steel-making hub, positioning Iligan as a cornerstone of the country’s manufacturing and export landscape.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga met with Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao recently to finalize development strategies. Supported by the National Development Company (NDC) and the Maharlika Investment Corporation, the project seeks to utilize the massive landholding to generate large-scale employment, boost local tax revenues, and stimulate regional economic activity.
Once celebrated as the “Industrial City of the South,” Iligan’s economic ecosystem was historically anchored by the NSC. This revival project aims to restore that legacy through a “whole-of-government” approach.
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Infrastructure & Implementation: PEZA Zone Administrator Abdullah Adel-Khan P. Alug will lead on-the-ground implementation, providing technical assistance and regulatory facilitation.
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Sustainability: The ecozone will leverage the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, offering investors access to stable, cost-efficient, and renewable energy—a critical factor for energy-intensive steel production.
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Investment Appeal: The site is designed to attract world-class locators focused on high-value manufacturing and sustainable industrial practices. “Reviving the NSC is not just about restoring an old plant—it’s about opening the property to serious investors who can bring real development and lasting opportunities to Iligan,” said Mayor Frederick Siao.
Director General Tereso O. Panga emphasized the national significance of the project: “By leveraging our expertise in ecozone development and investor facilitation, we can attract the investments needed to expand manufacturing capacity and drive high-value exports. This 450-hectare site will become a modern steel-making hub that strengthens the Philippines’ industrial backbone and creates a wealth of opportunities for local communities.”
The transformation of the NSC property represents a significant shift toward specialized ecozones. By integrating modern technology with Iligan’s existing network of suppliers and fabrication shops, the project is expected to create a thriving center for economic progress that will resonate throughout Northern Mindanao.
