New Ilocos Norte ecozone institute to attract foreign investors

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

CITY OF BATAC—The Philippine Economic Zone Authority 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 readily accessible for all Ilocanos.

Located at a small corner of the newly-inaugurated National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) of the Mariano Marcos State University in its main campus in this city, the SEZI establishment in partnership with MMSU is one of the biggest PEZA projects to provide skills training and research to make every Filipino a “world-class worker”.

During the signing of memorandum of agreement between PEZA and MMSU held at the university’s hostel on January 23, 2020, 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 Ms. 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 M. Manotoc expressed hopes that more ecozones will be established in the province.

“I hope this will go a long way for Ilocos Norte to become more business-friendly,” said Mr. Manotoc as he administered the oath of office of the newly-formed SEZI council to oversee its operations.

A covenant of commitment was also signed on the same day by officials and employees of MMSU, 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 Ilocos Norte as a global workforce and the entire Ilocandia as an export-oriented regional economy.”

To date, there are 406 operating economic zones in the Philippines and over 4,600 companies are enjoying tax incentives because of it.

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