CCAP and PEZA join in Forum to Strengthen Globally Competitive Businesses in the Philippines

Strong partnerships are instrumental to establishing global competitiveness, as exemplified during the CCAP-PEZA Forum held at the Makati Shangri-la recently. Eager representatives from member companies of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) met with officials of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to receive updated information relevant for the coming year and also to take the opportunity to jumpstart a dialogue between the two partners.

Mr. Benedict Hernandez, President of the CCAP, emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of the strong relationship between CCAP and PEZA in the past, and he professed his hope that this will only continue in growth. “The end outcome is further clarity,” said Mr. Hernandez.”Operationally, there are always areas of confusion, or concern and challenge.”

The PEZA Advantage

The CCAP represents some of the largest job-creators in the Philippines, and a majority of them run PEZA-accredited operations. The benefits provided by PEZA are instrumental in maintaining the Philippines’ industries competitive in a globalized economy. Some CCAP members operating outside of PEZA also sent representatives to the forum to learn about and take advantage of the potential benefits offered by the partnership.

PEZA officials were very informative as they gave keynote presentations for their respective divisions.Among them, PEZA’s Deputy Director General for OperationsMs. Mary Harriet O. Abordo proudly reiterated the importance of PEZA to the Philippines as an agency established to help businesses. She also positively reassured the attendees that PEZA is in full confidence of their continued uninterrupted operations through the new administration, due to their significant ties with former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, under whom PEZA was founded.

A question and answer discussion was opened for the CCAP members’ inquiries after the presentations. A lively discussion took place where the PEZA officials were able to satisfactorily answer the CCAP members’ presented concerns – both general, and also some very specific situations. A recurring topic at this discussion was the complicated relationship between PEZA-accredited operations and the LGUs. Mr. Elmer San Pascual, PEZA’s Manager of Promotion and Public Relations, repeatedly stated that with strict adherence to PEZA’s guidelines, companies will be able to enjoy the benefits of operating under PEZA’s regulation instead of their respective local government’s.

“When everything is clarified with our companies, they are assured that all of their incentives can be enjoyed by them continuously,” Mr. San Pascual said of their relationship. “That is our hope. When they are able to cut on their costs, they can now put in more money for their expansion which will mean more Filipinos will get opportunities to be employed.”

Continued Partnership

Attendance by CCAP representatives was very healthy. The forum was filled beyond standard capacity, and attained a standing room audience. “We’re happy that there are a lot of our members that were excited to have a dialogue with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority,” Mr. Benedict Hernandez happily said of the event. “PEZA has been very critical to our businesses and our growth and success,” he added

Mr. Hernandez also lauded the importance of the support of PEZA working with the private sector. “What has really worked in the past is open collaboration and dialogue with government, particularly in this case, PEZA. My hope is there is a lot of conference with the partnership that continues to be strong.”