The Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) led by its Executive Director, Atty. Sukarno A. Abas, recently concluded its four-day Year-End Performance Review and Strategic Planning Workshop for Fiscal Year 2024, coupled with a comprehensive Training-Orientation on Ecozone Facilitation, Promotion, and Development, held at Club Samal Beach Resort, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.

The BEZA Year-End Performance Review aimed to retrospect on the accomplishments of the organization throughout 2023. The BEZA has been at the forefront of driving economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, fostering investments, and creating job opportunities for the local population.

In his opening message, ED Atty. Abas commended the team for the improvement of the BEZA office and recognized the effort of every personnel who contributed to the accomplishments of the office for the past year.

“Let us review what were our shortcomings for these past years and let us see what we can do. It is not expected that we always start right with 100%, what is important is as we go on, we correct what we see that needs to be corrected and we improve ourselves,” he expressed.

The first part of the activity was the training and orientation on economic zone facilitation, promotion, and development, aiming at increasing the capacity of the BEZA staff.

Engr. Niel P. Cachuela, Zone Administrator of the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Economic Zone (KAIEZ), presented the Economic Significance and Impact of KAIEZ to the Municipality of Maasim in Sarangani Province, highlighting the unveiling experiences and best practices of private ecozones.

Several questions and issues related to economic zone management were raised and clarified including permit application and permit issuance, payment details, and local government coordination since the KAIEZ is a private developer regulated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Mr. Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal, Project Manager of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Halal Industry Development and former Group Manager of PEZA Promotions and Public Relations and OIC-Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration, laid stress on the importance of understanding ecozone and its economic impact to BARMM.

In his presentation, Mr. Guiapal, gave emphasis on the factors that will promote an economic zone in BARMM, the impact of economic zone which is a commitment of the Bangsamoro government that need to be built, and taking advantage of the low-lying fruits in the Bangsamoro region.

Moreover, Datu Abdelwin Sangkula, legal drafter of the BEZA Bill, presented the salient point of the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Act. He explained the eight ( key features of the proposed BEZA bill, emphasizing the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Act can draw lessons and best practices from Muslim Mindanao Autonomy (MMA) Act No. 154 and its Internal Rules and Regulations (IRR) while tailoring provisions to suit the specific development goals, cultural context, and economic priorities of the Bangsamoro region.

The second part of the activity was the BEZA performance review and strategic planning for fiscal year 2024. Ms. Amina A. Pamikirin, Planning Officer III of BEZA-Policy and Planning Division presented the accomplishments of BEZA for FY 2023. Taking off from the accomplishments, the team reviewed the Annual Work and Financial Plan (AWFP) of BEZA and planned for the catch-up and annual activities for the FY 2024.