State-run ecozones to open training centers

CEBU, Philippines — All state-owned economic zones in the country will soon open training centers to aid the changing skill requirements for both new and existing locators.

Peza Director General Charito Plaza said the four government-owned and managed economic zones located across the Philippines will have to install training centers with programs tailored fit according to the needs of the locators and would-be investors.

The establishment of the training centers is part of PEZA’s move to transform the economic zones into integrated facilities that would also house hospitals as well as tax-free military commissary stores.

Plaza said they will also build a hospital wherein workers, locators and their dependents can avail themselves of free medical and hospitalization benefits.

PEZA said she will have to discuss first with industry players and the locators of every ecozone to manage the operation or maintenance, as well as the medicines as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

In March this year, the Mactan Export Zone (MEZ-1) kicked off the ecozone transformation program of PEZA by developing into an integrated township.

Plaza said the state-owned MEZ-1 will lead the facelift of the four government-owned economic zones to make them integrated and modern, where live, work and play concept applies.

MEZ-1 for instance, which has been there since 1986 has to be improved in terms of concept and landscaping, said Plaza.

“We are now changing the face of economic zones. We will introduce new concept that will integrate industrial, commercial and residential components,” she added. (FREEMAN)