PASAY CITY – In a move to streamline business procedures and enhance ease of doing business, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) to optimize the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEP) for foreign nationals and foster job creation for Filipinos.
On December 16, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma sealed the agreement to further streamline and enhance the implementation of the PEZA Visa application and processing. More importantly, the landmark agreement marks the beginning of more collaboration between PEZA and DOLE on relevant aspects of ecozone management and ease of doing business initiatives.
The DSA establishes a secure and simplified framework for data exchange between PEZA and DOLE by integrating their functions to expedite information-sharing particularly in issuing the AEP, a pre-requisite for PEZA Visa issuance to foreign nationals seeking employment within PEZA economic zones.
PEZA Chief Panga hailed the agreement as a milestone in enhancing the ease of doing business (EODB) in the country. “By aligning processes and policies, we are fostering a faster, more transparent, and service-oriented environment, while safeguarding the rights of Filipino workers. This partnership with DOLE reflects our dedication to efficiency and excellent service delivery,” he noted.
Echoing these sentiments, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma noted that “This agreement strengthens employment verification measures in PEZA ecozones, ensuring accountability and security while addressing the operational needs of both agencies. It also supports the understudy training program as outlined in the revised implementing guidelines of AEP, which are expected to be finalized this month.”
Multiplier effects
Recognizing that economic growth and job creation are interconnected and driven by efficient public service, the DSA reflects the shared commitment of PEZA and DOLE to establish the Philippines as a prime investment destination in the region, while prioritizing employment opportunities for Filipino workers.
Secretary Laguesma stated, “Lagi kaming sumusubaybay sa PEZA sapagkat gusto naming makita na lalong pang madagdagan ang bilang ng mga napagkakalooban ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan.” (We continuously monitor PEZA because we want to see even more job opportunities created for our fellow Filipinos.)
The DSA also supports DOLE’s mandate to oversee the employment of foreign nationals and their contribution to the local workforce through understudy and skills transfer programs. These initiatives aim to equip Filipino workers with technical expertise in highly specialized fields, strengthening the country’s labor competitiveness.
Director General Panga explained that “The signing of this agreement also complements the goals of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) 2023–2028 by enhancing data integration, optimizing resources, and ensuring labor market programs meet the needs of investors, locators, and Filipino workers.”
As both agencies move forward, PEZA reaffirmed DOLE its commitment to resolving stakeholder concerns and maintaining best practices. This joint initiative represents a significant stride toward building an inclusive, robust economy benefiting both local and foreign stakeholders.
PEZA and DOLE vowed to further strengthen its partnership to provide employment for Filipinos and serve as instruments in further improving the ease of doing business, not only in the ecozones but the entire country.
