The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for regional economic transformation by presenting its diverse and dynamic investment portfolio during the recent engagement with fellow members of the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan Technical Working Group (PIPP-TWG).
Held on May 16, 2025, the meeting served as a venue for CEZA to spotlight the growing opportunities within the Cagayan Freeport Zone – an emerging investment destination strategically positioned in the northern frontier of the country. CEZA Deputy Administrator for Operation Atty. Marichelle de Guzman, representing CEZA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, delivered her message underscoring CEZA’s full support for the shared investment promotion strategies being developed across national agencies.
CEZA’s presentation, led by Market Specialist V Gabriel Lingan, highlighted the unique value proposition of the Cagayan Freeport: vast tracts of arable land, access to rich marine resources and a strategic location at the northeastern most point of Luzon, facing major Asia-Pacific trade routes. These attributes position CEZA as a compelling hub for agri-aqua ventures, logistics, renewable energy, tourism, ICT and maritime industries.
“CEZA offers a land of promise and a sea of potential, “Lingan noted, “not only the investors seeking scalable opportunities, but for communities seeking inclusive growth.” This aligns with CEZA’s broader mandate to drive countryside development through strategic investments that generate jobs, stimulate commerce, and spur regional infrastructure development.
Secretary Enrile, in her written message, emphasized that attracting investments is not merely about economic statistics but about creating real progress where it’s needed most. “Let us ensure that the countryside has its fair share in the nation’s prosperity,” she said.
The PIPP-TWG, chaired by BOI Executive Director for Investments Promotion Evariste Cagatan, brings together 19 investment promotion agencies (IPAs) tasked with collectively positioning the Philippines as a globally competitive investment destination. Updates on approved investments and pipeline leads were also shared among the group, to be submitted to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) under Secretary Frederick Go.
With CEZA’s forward-looking vision and investment-ready ecosystem, it continues to stand as a key player in the Philippines’ drive to attract capital, accelerate growth and uplift communities—one investor, one project, and one region at a time.
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