GLOBAL WORKFORCE. A covenant of commitment was signed last week by officials and employees of the MMSU, the PEZA and government officials of Ilocos Norte “to provide quality service and develop cutting-edge technologies and innovations to synergistically transform the people and communities of the province. The Special Economic Zone Institute is seen to transform the people and communities of Ilocos Norte as a global workforce. (Photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)
LAOAG CITY -- The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) looks forward to seeing the province of Ilocos Norte grow and develop into a “smart community” now that a Special Economic Zone Institute (SEZI) is now accessible for all Ilocanos.
Located in a small corner at the newly-inaugurated National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) of the Mariano Marcos State University in its main campus in Batac City, the establishment of SEZI in partnership with competent State Colleges and Universities like MMSU, is one of the biggest projects of PEZA to provide skills training and research to make every Filipino a world-class worker.
During the January 23 signing of memorandum of agreement between PEZA and MMSU held at the university’s hostel, PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza said “more ecozones are being created now to promote investment throughout the world for export industries.
“Let us transform the Philippines as an investment haven and transform every Filipino to become multi-skilled. So, we are inviting all institutions, including the indigenous peoples to open up economic zones, develop our idle lands and create hundred and thousand jobs for all Filipinos,” said Plaza as she lauded the leadership of MMSU President Shirley Agrupis for being the first SUC in the country to establish a SEZI.
For his part, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc expressed hopes to have more ecozones to be established in the province.
“I hope this will go a long way for Ilocos Norte to become more business-friendly,” said Manotoc as he administered the oath of office of the newly-formed SEZI council to oversee its operations.
Members of the newly-formed Special Economic Zone Institute Council took their oath of office on January 23, 2020 at the MMSU Hostel, Batac City. (PNA)
