The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has agreed to share data on foreigners working in its ecozones to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the efficient processing of work visas.
In a statement on Sunday, Feb. 2, the BI said that Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado and PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga signed last Jan. 21 a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) which established clear guidelines on the sharing and handling of data in the issuance and implementation of foreigners' visas.
"This agreement strengthens our commitment to efficient and transparent visa processing while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of shared information," Viado said.
"By working closely with PEZA, we enhance government efficiency while safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals under our jurisdiction,” he added.
The BI said the DSA shows the commitment of the BI and PEZA “to enhancing inter-agency coordination in support of the government’s efforts to attract and regulate foreign investments while maintaining national security and data privacy standards.”
Under the agreement, the BI will provide PEZA with the necessary information gathered from visa applicants to aid in their evaluation and issuance of PEZA visas.
“The agreement ensures that all data-sharing activities strictly adhere to the Data Privacy Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to protect applicants’ personal information,” the BI said.
It also said the two agencies have committed “to regularly monitor compliance with security measures and to immediately notify each other in the event of any breach or suspected breach.”
“The agreement also outlines strict protocols for data retention, destruction, and disposal, ensuring responsible management of shared information,” it added.