THE Provincial Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) recently conducted a workshop-forum for the 18 Local Government Units of Tarlac at the Bulwagang Kanlahi ng Diwa ng Tarlac.
The forum, titled “Developing Economic Zones in Tarlac Province”, was participated in by the Investment Promotions Officer, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Municipal Assessor, Municipal Tourism Officer, Business Permit and Licensing Officer, Municipal Legal Officer and the Council’s Committee Chairmen on Agrarian Reform, Zoning and Land Use; Trade Industry, Commerce and Economic Affairs; Appropriations and Ways and Means of each municipality and lone city of Tarlac.
In a message read by Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Governor Susan Yap made mention of the “Ambisyon Natin 2040”, a long-term vision of the Duterte administration aimed at empowering every Filipino to achieve individual excellence.
Yap said that the economic zone development is focused on the liberalization and the involvement of the private sector.
Republic Act 7916 also known as the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 enables the private sector to participate in the development and management of economic zones. It is through this act where PEZA was established as a government agency primarily tasked in promoting investment, providing assistance and facilitate incentives for investors and firms within the Special Economic Zones.
“A few weeks ago, I also attended and welcomed our guests from the different international and multi-national companies as part of the World Trade Tourism Council Investment Tour in Clark, Pampanga. It is a great opportunity for provinces like Tarlac and Pampanga to showcase our investment potentials, strengths and capabilities including untapped resources that will promote and provide an additional tourism investment niche,” she said in her message.
“Let us continue to work as one in making a real difference towards progress,” the governor concluded.
For her part, PEZA Director General BGen. Charito Plaza [Ret.], in her video message, thanked Yap and the organizers of the forum.
“Allow me to thank Gov. Susan Yap and the organizers of this forum for inviting PEZA to discuss the importance of economic zone development to our growth and progress,” Plaza said.
Frances Margaret Canlas, the LEIPO head of the provincial government of Tarlac, thanked Plaza, PEZA Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning, PEZA OIC-Zone Administrator of Baguio City Emmanuel Cortero, PEZA Division Chief for Regulation and Processing Ludwigo Daza and SCAD Executive Director Atty. Carmina Fabros and other SCAD and PEZA participants for their support.
