To bolster employment opportunities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a significant step by granting a second chance to applicants with “Pre-Qualification Clearances” from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to create new economic zones in Metro Manila.
The President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed Administrative Order (AO) 11 on November 24, amending AO 18 issued in 2019. AO 18 had imposed a moratorium on the processing and evaluation of applications for the establishment of special economic zones in the NCR.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte had issued AO 18, directing PEZA to no longer accept, process, or evaluate applications for the creation of Metro Manila ecozones. The aim was to promote rural development, ensure inclusive growth in the countryside, and create robust economic activity and wealth generation outside the country’s metropolis.
Under Marcos’ new order, applications that have already obtained “Pre-Qualification Clearances” from the PEZA Board under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 7916 before the moratorium’s effectivity can be reconsidered with certain conditions.
“Within a non-extendible period of ten (10) working days from the effectivity of this Order, the PEZA shall submit to the Office of the President (OP), through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a Board Resolution certifying the Masterlist of covered applications under the immediately preceding paragraph,” the President stated in his order.
The President emphasized that only those included in the Masterlist will have the option to resubmit their applications for ecozones, provided they undergo the pre-qualification process of the PEZA once again.
Additionally, all required national or local licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, or authorizations that have already expired need to be renewed in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
While the new order allows for the resumption of processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila, other provisions of AO 18 will remain in effect, including the moratorium on the processing of applications for the establishment of economic zones in the region.
The President’s objective in issuing the new administrative order is to bolster employment in Metro Manila and position it as the “leading information and communications technology hub” in the country.
“Allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila that have been successfully issued a Pre-Qualification Clearance by the PEZA Board prior to the implementation of the moratorium under AO No. 18 will have a positive impact on job creation and will further strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a leading information and communications technology hub in the country,” Marcos stated.
Based on the government’s recent assessment, the services sector, which includes information and communications, continues to be a reliable source of economic activity in the country, with Metro Manila registering the biggest share.
This move by President Marcos Jr. reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities. By allowing the reconsideration of applications for economic zones in Metro Manila, the administration aims to harness the potential of the region and further develop it as a thriving hub for information and communications technology.
As the services sector continues to play a crucial role in the country’s economy, this decision is expected to have a positive impact on job creation and contribute to the overall growth and development of Metro Manila.
It is important to note that while this order focuses on Metro Manila, the government’s broader objective remains to promote rural development and inclusive growth in other areas of the country. By striking a balance between urban and rural development, the administration aims to create robust economic activity and ensure that all regions benefit from the country’s progress.
In conclusion, President Marcos Jr.’s decision to grant a second chance to applicants with “Pre-Qualification Clearances” from PEZA for the creation of economic zones in Metro Manila is a significant step towards bolstering employment opportunities and positioning the region as a leading information and communications technology hub. This move reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating a balanced development across the country.
Source: The Manila Times
