The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is moving into its own state-of-the-art headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, marking a major milestone for the investment promotion agency following the successful implementation of a lease-to-own arrangement with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said the agency’s offices and personnel will complete their transfer to the 13-storey new building by June 15.
Director General of the
Philippine Economic Zone Authority
“The completion of the new PEZA Investment and Corporate Center makes one of the trailblazers in government ownership of a LEED-certified facility—a world-class and environment-friendly landmark, and a fitting showcase as we promote Philippine ecozones to both global and local investors,” said Panga.
PEZA is among the pioneering government agencies to own a LEED-certified building, giving it a world-class and environmentally sustainable facility that it can proudly showcase while promoting Philippine economic zones to both foreign and local investors.
A LEED Gold Certification signifies that the structure complies with the stringent standards of the U.S. Green Building Council. The building incorporates energy-efficient systems while maximizing natural lighting and ventilation.
Lease-to-own
The new 14,000-square-meter headquarters, valued at PHP940 million, was developed through a lease-to-own scheme with LandBank Leasing and Finance Corp. (LLFC), payable over a 15-year period. PEZA also invested approximately PHP300 million for the building’s fit-outs and interior facilities.
“LandBank handled the procurement, building construction and project management. We were involved in choosing the design and as build proponent for the building,” he said. PEZA owns the property.
Panga said the PEZA headquarters is the first project undertaken through this financing scheme with LLFC, noting that several government agencies are already looking at replicating the model.
To generate additional revenues, Panga said the first two floors of the building will be dedicated to commercial leasing, with rental rates ranging from PHP800 to PHP1,000 per square meter. The third and fourth floors will serve as parking areas.
PEZA remains one of the few self-sustaining government agencies and is considered part of the government’s “billionaires’ club” due to its strong revenue generation.
“We remit much to the national coffers even if we are a self-sustaining, income generating agency,” said.
Amenities
The new headquarters will also house the PEZA Advanced AI Academy, envisioned as an industry excellence center for artificial intelligence. It will feature a one-stop office that includes representatives from the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Other amenities include a business center, a function hall, commercial spaces, and a video wall for advertisements.
“This PEZA Corporate Business and Investment Center features a sustainable, modern architectural concept inspired by the traditional balangay, a pre-colonial Filipino boat,” said Panga, proudly.
According to Panga, the building’s facade reflects the iconic native vessel, symbolizing PEZA’s mission to drive trade, investments, and strategic partnerships.
