BOI OKs P3.2 trillion projects for green lane processing

MANILA, Philippines — Investments for projects approved for green lane processing have reached over P3 trillion, according to the Board of Investments (BOI).

In a statement yesterday, the BOI said 115 projects with a total project cost of P3.2 trillion have been approved for green lane services as of August this year.

Created through Executive Order 18 approved by the Office of the President in February 2023, the green lanes aim to expedite, streamline and automate the processing of permits and licenses for strategic investments in the country.

Data released by the BOI showed that 13 energy projects with investments amounting to P210.46 billion were endorsed for green lane processing.

Of these 13 projects, four are solar projects, eight are onshore wind and one is an offshore wind project.

The BOI also said that A-FLOW Properties I Corp. (A-FLOW) is among the projects that secured a green lane certificate of endorsement, particularly for its 36-MW ML1 Data Center Project in Laguna.

A-FLOW is a joint venture between AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp., a developer of industrial parks and real estate logistics facilities, and FLOW Digital Infrastructure, which is engaged in the development and operation of digital infrastructure.

“The green lane certificate awarded to A-FLOW marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward enhanced digital connectivity. This project sets a new benchmark with its state-of-the-art ML1 Data Center in Binan City. Given the growing need for larger IT (information technology) capacity, A-FLOW’s contribution will be vital in positioning the Philippines as a digital leader in the Asia-Pacific region,” BOI managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.

A-FLOW’s ML1 Data Center campus is a greenfield carrier-neutral facility with network diversity and redundancy.

The facility has an initial IT capacity of 6 MW that can reach up to 36 MW.

Designed in accordance with local and global standards, the facility is supported by 24/7 backup power, a 24/7 building management system, an on-site manned security system, as well as on-demand fire-suppression system.

It is expected to contribute to the country’s supply of digital infrastructure with IT capacity expected to grow to over 180 MW by 2027, driven by strong hyperscale demand.

Rodolfo said the BOI would continue to provide support to the project.

In particular, the investment promotion agency has a dedicated account to monitor the project’s progress and assist in coordination with the BOI management.