Lifting the moratorium on IT Parks and IT Centers in the National Capital Region restores an important option for IT-BPM companies and greater flexibility for expanding operations, the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said.
The issuance of Administrative Order No. 45 allows PEZA to once again accept, process, and evaluate new applications for IT parks and IT centers in Metro Manila.
Issued on July 23, 2026, AO 45 amended AO No. 18, which was issued in 2019 and imposed a ban on the expansion of IT centers and IT parks in Metro Manila as part of efforts to spur economic activity in the provinces and decongest the capital.
“This is a timely and pragmatic policy that strengthens the Philippines’ competitiveness for new investment. It restores an important location option for IT-BPM companies while giving both global investors and existing locators greater flexibility as they expand their operations in the country,” IBPAP said in a statement.
According to IBPAP, Metro Manila continues to play a critical role as the country’s largest concentration of digital talent, business infrastructure, and global delivery operations. At the same time, IBPAP remains fully committed to accelerating the industry’s growth across emerging cities nationwide. By reopening applications specifically for IT parks and IT centers while maintaining the moratorium on other economic zone categories, AO45 achieves a practical balance between enabling investment and supporting regional development.
“In today’s highly competitive investment environment, speed and flexibility matter,” said Jack Madrid, President and CEO of IBPAP.
“Administrative Order No. 45 gives investors greater confidence that the Philippines can respond to evolving business requirements while preserving our long-term commitment to countryside development. It strengthens our ability to attract new investments, support business expansion, and create more high-quality jobs for Filipinos.”
IBPAP thanks President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., PEZA through the leadership of DG Theo Panga, and the government agencies that worked together to advance this policy. “The industry looks forward to supporting its implementation and translating this important development into increased investment, continued industry growth, and greater opportunities for Filipino talent,” IBPAP said.
