Manila, Jan. 14 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment and expansion of Special Economic Zones (ecozones) in Batangas and Iloilo, a move expected to generate thousands of new jobs in manufacturing and information technology and further disperse investments beyond Metro Manila.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday said the new ecozones underscore the administration's strategy of bringing economic opportunities closer to Filipinos in the regions.

"The new ecozones reinforce the Marcos Jr. administration's push to disperse investments beyond Metro Manila, bringing economic opportunities closer to Filipinos," Recto said in a news release.

"Ibig sabihin, mas maraming trabaho ang naghihintay sa Batangas, ...