THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said all 4,542 companies in 408 ecozones are gearing up for full- blast operations as they have been declared new coronavirus disease 2019-free.
Charito Plaza, director-general of PEZA, said the companies earlier reported five persons under investigation and persons under monitoring but they all turned negative of the virus.
No death was reported.
Plaza companies employ 1.6 million workers.
As of April 30, 60 percent of the companies are in operation, based on a survey covering 2,440 respondents.
The data showed only 40 companies are fully operating while 1,382 are utilizing either skeletal force or work-from-home scheme. Around 1,018 companies are not operational or have no production. “PEZA is now very much ready for a full blast operation of its ecozones and companies,” said Plaza said
She said PEZA is inviting American, Japanese, and European companies transferring from China and encouraging and assisting its existing investors to expand and build branches in the countryside in support of the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa” program of the government.
In addition to requiring companies to adopt the health and safety protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Infectious Diseases, Plaza said PEZA also plans to establish its own COVID-19 testing facilities in its four public economic zones namely: Baguio City Economic Zone, Pampanga Economic Zone, Cavite Economic Zone, and Mactan Economic Zone. The same facilities will also be strategically located in private economic zones to cater to its workers.
“We are currently coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) for this program. We plan to provide both the rapid test kits and the PCR test on the said facilities so that the companies will have a choice on either of the methods,” Plaza said.
PEZA will likewise construct dormitories/housing facilities in its four public ecozones and have its own shuttle services for use by the locators.
“This will not only be used for emergencies but, in coping with the locators’ losses during the crisis. We are encouraging the private ecozone operators to do the same to ensure the investors of a safe and secured Philippine ecozones,” Plaza said.
Plaza has conducted dialogues with ecozone managers in CALABARZON, Region 3, Region 1, Metro Manila, Region 7 and in selected areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to dialogue with the ecozone operators and locator companies on the effects of the quarantine imposed starting March 15.
According to Plaza, “We have allowed companies to operate on the condition that they comply with the directives by PEZA and the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).” Such includes the implementation of strict social distancing measures, disinfection of premises, thermal scanning, and distribution of sanitents, alcohols, masks, and hand sanitizers among others.
But despite the continuous operations of some companies, they have encountered operational difficulties such as the checkpoints, access of goods/raw materials/ supplies and workers, access to government institutions for permits, clarification on issuance, emergency assistance, port clearing, online facilitation, and import and export of shipment.
“This is why a unified and synchronized plan, rules, policies, and enforcements is important among government agencies and LGUs. Cooperation is key for government agencies to facilitate and balance our focus on public health and the continued production especially of essential products during this pandemic,” noted Plaza.
Measures in place to support ecozone companies and workers
To further provide assistance, Plaza said that “PEZA had launched initiatives to jumpstart with its support to its registered companies, industries and locators including the agency’s support to immediate economic recovery post COVID-19.”
The measures include allowing companies to implement work-from-home arrangements for up to 70%, easing of the passing of requirements for, extension of validity of certificates, deferment of payments, and giving grace period for old unpaid accounts among others.
“PEZA implemented economic stimulus and adjustments to its existing policies to assist and support the rehabilitation and business continuity plans of the export enterprises as well as enhance the efficiency factors to put back a more vibrant economy,” said the PEZA Chief.
To continue the strict enforcement of the health and quarantine requirements, PEZA also launched its COVID-free, green, healthy, sustainable, and smart economic zones.
“Under the COVID-free, green, healthy, sustainable, and smart economic zones program, PEZA’s goal is to maintain its ecozones as COVID-free, with its strict enforcement of the health guidelines and directives to ensure the protection of both the workers, investors, and host communities of ecozones,” said Plaza.
FurthermorCorporate Communications Division
Philippine Economic Zone Authority Email address: dgnews@peza.gov.ph
Landline: 8551-3435 to 37 loc. 512
