The CEZA Gala Night: Honoring CEZA’s Legacy and Future

CEZA Administrator and CEO Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile led a toast honoring Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, the visionary behind CEZA’s creation. “Today, we celebrate the fulfillment of his vision. Let’s continue making CEZA a lasting legacy,” she said.

The CEZA Gala Night, held on February 27, 2025, at Dusit Thani, Makati City, marked the grand culmination of CEZA’s month-long 30th-anniversary celebration. The meticulously planned event featured exquisite dining, live entertainment, employee recognition, and opportunities for socialization and networking. Bringing together CEZA employees, key partners from both the public and private sectors, and distinguished guests, the gala showcased CEZA’s achievements over the past three decades while reaffirming its commitment to economic development.

A Night of Reflection and Celebration

The evening began with registration at 6:00 PM, followed by an opening prayer led by Ms. Novelyn C. Achanzar, CEZA’s Department Manager for Regulatory and Employment. Setting the tone for the night, Ms. Perla C. Tumaliuan, DPA, CEZA’s Deputy Administrator for Support Services, delivered the welcome remarks, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

A special video presentation captured the essence of CEZA’s 30-year journey, featuring interviews with Atty. Rodolfo “Inkee” O. Reyes, CEZA’s first Administrator and CEO, along with Sta. Ana residents and CEZA officials.

Key Messages and Symbolic Ceremonies

In his keynote address, Atty. Rodolfo Reyes, standing in for Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, Chief Presidential Legal Adviser and author of Republic Act 7922 (Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995), reminisced about CEZA’s early days: “Our office was just the Pajero at that time. But it was an exciting time, full of optimism.”

The highlight of the evening was the Pledge of Commitment, led by CEZA Administrator & CEO, Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, reaffirming CEZA’s dedication to continued growth. In her heartfelt message, Sec. Enrile shared:

“When I took my oath of office before President R. Marcos, Jr., I also promised my father that I would do my very best to make CEZA great.”

She added: “I want to make CEZA a showcase for this administration—something we can all be proud of.”

A symbolic token presentation, led by Dr. Tumaliuan and Atty. Marichelle D. De Guzman, CEZA’s Deputy Administrator for Operations, expressed gratitude for CEZA’s journey. Together, they led the CEZA family in honoring the legacy of its founder, Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, as he formally passed the leadership reins to his daughter, Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile—marking a new chapter for CEZA.

A Night of Entertainment and Recognition

The evening was further enlivened by a special musical performance by Ms. Tiana Kocher, an internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter.

Following dinner, Mr. Rodrigo C. Pablo, CEZA’s OIC for Human Resources and Acting Head of the Finance Department, led the Employees’ Appreciation segment, honoring CEZA’s loyal employees for their dedication and service.

The closing remarks, delivered by Atty. Mark R. Bocobo, a member of the CEZA Board, expressed gratitude to all attendees and highlighted CEZA’s future endeavors.

A Testament to CEZA’s Resilience and Vision

The CEZA Gala Night was a celebration of three decades of resilience, innovation, and economic progress. With strong leadership and a dedicated workforce, CEZA is poised to continue driving sustainable development in the Cagayan Freeport and beyond.

Distinguished Guests

Among the distinguished guests in attendance was H.E. Mary Kay Carlson, the United States Ambassador to the Philippines; Consul Agnes Huibonhoa of the Republic of Gambia; Lachlan Paron, Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy; Senator Mark Villar; Congressman Allan Ty; Undersecretary Rogel Gatchalian; Undersecretary Emmeline Yan Aglipay; and former CEZA administrators Jose Mari B. Ponce and Atty. Rodolfo O. Reyes.

CEZA Deputy Administrator for Support Services, Perla C. Tumaliuan, DPA, officially welcomed CEZA employees and guests to the Gala Night.

[L-R] Dr. Perla C. Tumaliuan, CEZA Deputy Administrator for Support Services; Atty. Rodolfo O. Reyes, CEZA’s first Administrator; Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile, CEZA Administrator and CEO; and Atty. Marichelle D. De Guzman, CEZA Deputy Administrator for Operations, pose after the ceremonial turnover of the symbolic token at the CEZA Gala Night.

Distinguished guests at the event included U.S. Ambassador H.E. Mary Kay Carlson, Consul Agnes Hubinhoa of Gambia, Australian Embassy Second Secretary Lachlan Paron, Senator Mark Villar, Congressman Allan Ty, Usecs. Rogel Gatchalian and Emmeline Yan Aglipay, former CEZA administrators Jose Mari B. Ponce and Atty. Rodolfo O. Reyes, along with CEZA locators and other key partners.

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