Lilia de Lima extolled / Honesty briefly noted

The following remarks were delivered by Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki as he conferred the Order of the Rising Sun on Atty. Lilia P. de Lima, Director General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), at the embassy residence last June 26.

It is indeed an honor for me to join you all today to give utmost recognition to an extraordinary woman who has immensely contributed to the improvement of the Philippines’ investment climate. She is the woman behind the most preferred investment location for local and foreign investors in your country today – the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Allow me to quote the BizNews Asia Magazine, "No single institution has attracted more investments and earned more exports for the country than PEZA. PEZA today is acclaimed by investors as one of the few state agencies free of the two things that irritate them most – red tape and corruption." This could not have happened if not for the outstanding leadership of one person. I am referring to no other than our dear Director General Lilia B. de Lima or may I warmly call her DG de Lima.

Today’s occasion renders highest tribute to her vital role in continuously enriching the Philippines-Japan trade and overall economic relations. It is indeed befitting that DG de Lima’s indispensable contributions to the Japanese business community as well as to other foreign investors would be recognized in this fashion. She truly deserves to be bestowed upon this coveted Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, which is one of Japan’s highest decorations conferred by the Emperor of Japan. The timing is also perfect because this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, as Philippines-Japan Friendship Year.

With DG de Lima’s no-nonsense but warm attitude and hardworking style, it is no wonder that since she became DG, PEZA has accounted for 98 percent share of the total investments in the country with nearly 40 percent of those investments coming from 527 Japanese companies. These figures speak well of the Japanese businessmen's overwhelming satisfaction with PEZA and great admiration for DG de Lima.

I was also impressed by what DG de Lima said at the MOPC, when she was the monthly guest speaker for June. She has, since 1997, decreased the number of PEZA’s officers and personnel by half, while the number of operational economic zones and locator-enterprises has quadrupled during the same period. If my arithmetic is right, this means PEZA’s own per-capita productivity has become eight fold.

Furthermore, PEZA is operating 24 hours 7 days a week. This makes PEZA not only a one-stop shop but also, in DG de Lima’s own words, a non-stop shop. On top of that, the investors are not charged any overtime fees for services rendered beyond regular business hours. It is also remarkable that now 86 percent of total Philippines-manufactured exports have been produced in PEZA’s economic zones as compared to only 22 percent in 1994.

We all take our hats off to you DG de Lima. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey to you the Japanese business community’s appreciation for always making yourself accessible to them. This makes their business in the Philippines a lot faster, easier and at a lower cost. With all the time and effort you have devoted as a technocrat, I know PEZA will continue to soar to greater heights. If I may say, on a personal note, it is a coincidence but I happen to be the MOPC’s monthly guest speaker for July, when I will be speaking on the significance of our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I look forward to telling its members about PEZA’s vital role in the context of shaping the strong friendship between our two countries, as well as of today’s conferment.

It is my greatest honor to confer upon Director General Lilia de Lima the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

Congratulations, DG de Lima! I wish you good health and happiness. May you continue your relentless efforts in leading your country towards greater economic progress by providing world-class investment environment. May this occasion further strengthen the close ties between Japan and the Philippines.

Maraming salamat po at Mabuhay tayong lahat.

* * *

The other night, at a CCP performance, I felt the pearl stone of my earring fly off. My niece quickly found it. However, its setting of diamond stones was missing. During intermission, those seated in front of me – a man and his wife and a young fellow – looked for it. My suspicions were aroused when the latter asked me: "Is it fake?" I replied: "No!" The older man, who said he was a psychic, asked for my calling card. I wondered why but I gave it anyway.

After the show, the CCP ushers, courteous and attentive as always, assiduously looked for the piece of jewelry. Even avid music lovers Brian and Leslie Murray earnestly joined in the search. One of the ushers found the gold clip that would keep the stone and its setting together. Another usher, Mr. Perpiñan, escorted me to my car.

The next morning, the older man called me up, introducing himself as Dr. Luisito San Valentin. He told me that after the concert, he accosted the young man, using his military training to grill the culprit. "Do you want me to use force on you?" he threatened. Terrified, the young man surrendered the item.

Dr. San Valentin, a Knight of Rizal who teaches at the Philippine Normal U., is one of the few honest men still around.