Santa Rosa Rises: SM and PEZA Seal IT Ecozone

Laguna’s Santa Rosa takes another step toward becoming a premier IT-BPM hub as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and SM Offices, a business unit of SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), formalized the registration of the SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as a PEZA-accredited Information Technology Economic Zone.

The development stems from Proclamation No. 944 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., officially granting ecozone status to a portion of SM City Santa Rosa. With the accreditation, investors and IT enterprises can enjoy both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives—ranging from tax holidays and import–export duty exemptions to streamlined procedures and access to Special Non-Immigrant Visas.

Gateway to Regional Competitiveness

More than incentives, the designation equips the IT Center with world-class infrastructure and responsive government services. This strengthens Laguna’s position as an attractive alternative to Metro Manila for IT-BPM operations, helping balance growth across regions.

“Santa Rosa is strategically located and rich with talent, infrastructure, and lifestyle amenities. With PEZA’s partnership, we are able to deliver sustainable, future-ready office spaces that empower companies and employees to thrive,” said Alexis Ortiga, Vice President and Head of SM Offices.

Building Beyond the Capital

SM Offices has long supported the IT-BPM industry through landmark developments such as the E-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex and the SM North EDSA Towers. By expanding into Laguna, the company extends opportunities to provincial growth corridors, reinforcing its role as a key partner in national progress.

For PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, the proclamation is more than just a business move: “This IT Center opens new doors for countryside development—jobs, investments, and inclusive growth. PEZA is committed to guiding locators in making the Philippines a top-tier IT-BPM hub in Asia.”

A Growth Story in Numbers

The announcement comes on the back of strong momentum for PEZA, which reported a 100 percent surge in investment approvals in the first seven months of 2025, amounting to ₱90.6 billion. With up to 30 new ecozones expected before year-end, the agency continues to expand economic opportunities nationwide.

The SM City Santa Rosa IT Center thus represents more than a single project—it is a symbol of shared ambition between public and private sectors to generate employment, attract global investment, and drive sustainable regional development.