The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is accelerating its efforts to decentralize industrial growth with the recent site inspection of the proposed Bicol Region Economic Zone (BREZ) in Brgy. Pantao, Libon, Albay.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga, alongside key agency officers, accompanied top executives from Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific (AG&P) to conduct due diligence for the potential relocation of the company’s strategic manufacturing activities.
The visit included a high-level briefing with AG&P’s leadership team, featuring:
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Roberto Juanchito T. Dispo, Chairman and Executive Director
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Anupam Ahuja, President and Chief Corporate Service Officer
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Sven Herber Eikmeier, VP for Supply Chain Management & Equipment Maintenance
The technical team, comprising experts from AG&P India and Germany, noted the site’s unique combination of scenic value and industrial potential. Local government units also signaled their full cooperation, with Libon Mayor Mac Sayson and Polangui Mayor Jesciel Richard Salcedo expressing their commitment to the ecozone’s success.
The proposed BREZ is envisioned as a PEZA-owned hub designed to reshape the economic landscape of the Bicol region. The zone’s viability is anchored by the Pantao Port, currently operated by the provincial government, which serves as critical infrastructure for logistics and trade.
Key highlights of the BREZ project:
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Strategic Location: Offers a “gateway” alternative for investors seeking to diversify away from congested traditional growth centers.
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Infrastructure Ready: Leverages the existing Pantao Port to facilitate immediate industrial operations.
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Investor Interest: Already attracting inquiries from prospective foreign direct investments (FDI) and existing PEZA-registered companies.
“The development of the Bicol Region Economic Zone reflects our continued push to bring investment opportunities into high-potential regions like Albay,” said DG Tereso O. Panga. “What we see in Pantao is a strategic gateway for inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. While we continue the work of securing final presidential proclamations and ensuring total site readiness, PEZA remains fully committed to transforming this into a competitive, future-ready hub for global industries.”
Once officially proclaimed by the Office of the President, BREZ is expected to become a primary destination for global locators, driving job creation and countryside development in the Bicol Peninsula.
