The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have partnered to facilitate foreign employment procedures in economic zones, aiming to drive economic growth across the country.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga formalized the collaboration with a Data Sharing Agreement to expedite the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) and PEZA Visas.
Laguesma said the initiative is part of the government’s “green lane” program, which aims to simplify regulatory processes, attract strategic investments, and create a more conducive business environment.
The labor chief emphasized that the partnership strikes a balance between efficient employment procedures and the protection of Filipino workers’ rights and labor standards.
“This agreement reflects our shared goal to make the Philippines a preferred investment destination and to ensure that Filipino workers are given a first preference for employment opportunities in economic zones,” he said.
Panga highlighted the pivotal role of ecozones in the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028, which has already created 1.8 million jobs and is projected to generate an additional 80,000 to 100,000 positions annually in manufacturing and IT-BPM sectors.
The agreement also facilitates the exchange of crucial data on foreign nationals, including those with AEPs and PEZA visas, as well as individuals with revoked or cancelled permits.
By improving transparency and strengthening regulatory oversight, the DOLE and PEZA said their partnership aims to enhance governance and ensure more efficient management of foreign employment in the country’s ecozones.