The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have jointly urged the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to integrate the island provinces of Mimaropa—Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan—into the Luzon Economic Growth Area.

The move, the agencies said, will harness underutilized lands, including prison farms, to spur regional development and position Palawan and Mindoro as a sustainable economic hub akin to Singapore.

Mimaropa, a region rich in natural resources but historically underrepresented in national economic planning, contributes less than 2% to the country’s’ GDP.

Mimaropa’s inclusion in the Luzon Economic Corridor—a infrastructure-led initiative connecting Metro Manila, Batangas, and Central Luzon—would unlock access to ports, highways, and investment, addressing regional disparities.

The proposal aligns with government efforts to decentralize growth and strengthen ties with the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), a sub-regional cooperation bloc.

Central to the plan are the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa and the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.

These facilities, where inmates engage in agriculture, are slated for transformation into agro-industrial zones under a new public-private partnership model.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said that Palawan’s “strategic location near global shipping routes and untapped natural resources” could mirror Singapore’s success as a trade and sustainability leader.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. outlined flagship projects: a 1,200-hectare Aerotropolis in Palawan, envisioned to double the capacity of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and enable direct international flights; an Agropolis linking farming hubs to urban markets to bolster food security; an aqua Marine Special Economic Zone to expand maritime logistics and aquaculture; and an Ecopolis focused on green finance and technology.

A newly signed 50-year memorandum, extendable by 25 years, grants PEZA authority to redevelop 2,191 hectares of idle BuCor land into Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

These zones—offering tax incentives and streamlined regulations—will host agroforestry, aquamarine parks, and eco-tourism sites to attract foreign investment.

PEZA’s blueprint prioritizes renewable energy, eco-tourism, and technology-driven agriculture, aligning with Palawan’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

“This isn’t just about growth—it’s about redefining development with ecological balance,” Panga said.

If approved by NEDA, the plan could position Palawan as a gateway to BIMP-EAGA markets while alleviating overcrowding in Manila’s economic zones.

Analysts note challenges, including infrastructure gaps and environmental safeguards, but proponents argue the corridor could generate 100,000 jobs by 2030.

The proposal is expected to be reviewed by NEDA’s board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., later next month.