From the Website of GPH - Government of the Philippines
links: http://www.gov.ph/2016/04/15/pnoy-peza-21st-anniversary/
President Aquino at the PEZA 21st anniversary celebration and investors’ recognition night
Speech of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
at the PEZA 21st Anniversary Celebration and
Investors’ Recognition Night
[Delivered at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, on April 14, 2016]
Every
time I have spoken about PEZA as President, it has been with an immense
amount of pride—and just as much confidence. For as long as I can
remember, my economic managers have always predicted that PEZA-approved
investments under our administration would exceed the amount generated
by the previous three administrations over 15 years. Tonight, I thank
you for proving them right because as of December 2015, over 50.5% of
total PEZA-approved investments—equivalent to roughly P1.594
trillion—have been recorded under our administration. [Applause] In
light of this, it seems a safe bet to say that they have been true to
their word and by the time they step down from office there will be an
even more significant margin of success and for that, on behalf of our
people, we thank you all. [Applause]
To be
honest, I was not surprised because no matter the quality of the
country’s leadership in the past, PEZA still cultivated a strong track
record of good governance. For this, we have none other than Director
General Lilia de Lima to thank. [Applause] Most of you here will
probably know she is the only Director-General PEZA has ever known.
Initially appointed by my predecessor, former President Fidel Ramos, she
has been reappointed again and again, for good reason. As the fourth
President to have the honor of working with her, I can tell you: I have
yet to meet someone more suited to the job and I am still after the
DOST–our science and technology department–to accelerate the cloning
process. [Laughter] As a president with only 77 days left in office, I
can also tell you: we don’t have much time left to clone
Director-General de Lima but that will be my successor’s problem. It
will be up to the next administration to convince her to stay on, or to
continue our cloning program.
All
jokes aside, the numbers themselves tell us just how much PEZA has
contributed to the Philippines. Under Director-General de Lima’s watch,
there have been P3.16 trillion in total approved investments,
consequently generating almost 1.2 million jobs. A scan of recent
headlines and news stories shows that these numbers are likely to
increase, with the establishment of a 63-hectare economic zone in Davao,
the possible expansion of Osaka-based companies in the Philippines, and
PEZA’s continued efforts to convince even more companies to set up shop
in the Philippines.
Internal
reform has likewise led to more efficient operations in PEZA eco-zones:
from an electronic application registration system, to the pilot
electronics zone transfer system, which will speed up delivery of parts
and supplies to export manufacturing enterprises.
Indeed:
Determination and dedication to service have become institutional
policies and trademarks. I am told that you are one of, if not the only
eco-zone authority in the world, to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, with the exception of Good Friday. This isn’t just a tagline.
Your investors themselves continue to speak highly of the quality of
service they have received from the men and women of PEZA. Some have
said that it takes only a single phone-call, and they know that PEZA
will be there to help them resolve any issue. Others say it is the most
efficient government agency they have encountered. Everyone agrees: you
are graft and corruption-free. [Applause]
All of
this is for the benefit of our people and our investors, including all
of you present here tonight. Everything that PEZA has done is a
reflection of just how much we want you to build successful and lasting
enterprises in the country. It does not matter if you have been on our
shores for twenty years, or if you are just about to break ground on
your facility. Your being here shows your confidence in Filipinos and
your commitment to our country. Just as we have done in the past, we
will partner with you for the success of all—from your companies, who
will undoubtedly reap greater profits, to Filipino employees, empowered
by a decent livelihood and the opportunity to make the most of their
skills.
At the
same time, I know this is a period when investors and the business
community in general will be somewhat cautious. Right now, the
Philippines remains firmly among the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
We continue to climb competitiveness rankings. But we are also facing an
election. William Pesek of Barron’s Asia wrote about this recently,
calling our May 9 elections “a make or break moment for the
Philippines.” He expressed concern about the possibility of our country
to either lose momentum or, worse, reversing its momentum to advance
vested interests.
Of
course, I understand all this better than anyone else. I vowed to leave
our country in a far better state than that in which I found it, and I
believe I will be doing just that come June 30. The next six years will
be in the hands of another president—or, perhaps more accurately, in the
hands of over 54 million registered voters.
What we
have now is a momentum built on the sacrifices and hard work of the past
years. We do not live in a perfect country, and—to be frank—I do not
have much time left to continue striving to perfect it. At the same
time, during our administration, our people have laid a firmer
foundation for inclusive and sustained growth than we have seen in
previous generations. I have not been shy about saying that there is
only one man who can continue that growth—only one candidate who has the
experience, integrity, and knowhow to speed up progress.
Even as I
continue to encourage our countrymen to recognize what is at stake, I
do so with the confidence and trust that they will see the great strides
we have made, whether in an agency like PEZA, or in the wider economy.
They will choose wisely. They will continue the great success story of
the Philippines—with partners like all of you here to work alongside
them.
And with
that, may I greet each and every one of you in PEZA a happy
anniversary. I thank you, and I am sure you will enjoy tonight’s
performances. Good evening.
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