TIEZA eyes 10,000 jobs in new tourism enterprise zones

MANILA, Philippines — Several newly-designated Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) are expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and spur local tourism activity, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) said on Thursday.

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said the areas recently designated as TEZs will “generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well-being of host communities, improve working conditions and access to the industry.”

“Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, TIEZA understands the direct impact of the travel restrictions in the tourism sector as well as the limited capital outlay for infrastructure development,” he added in a statement.

According to TIEZA, among the TEZs seen to produce job opportunities for Filipinos are the La Jolla TEZ in Bagac, Bataan, the Boracay Gateway Project TEZ in Nabas, Aklan, and the Neo Aqua Town Center in Bulakan, Bulacan.

For instance, the La Jolla TEZ, a P2 billion worth project, is seen to generate 880 jobs. TIEZA described the enterprise zone as an “area of development which aims to promote sustainable tourism development through environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth.”

Meanwhile, an estimated number of 5,247 jobs and livelihood can be generated from the Boracay Gateway Project TEZ to “integrate the communities in the business’ value chain to improve the quality of lives” in the province.

The Neo Aqua Town Center TEZ is expected to give 3,977 jobs and provide social development initiatives in its host local community. It is a development of agri-tourism commercial zone, residential zone, convention center, luxury hotel, orchard and wellness zone, according to TIEZA.

According to Lapid, the TEZs also aim to “make positive contributions to the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage of the area of development.”

TIEZA earlier said it seeks to accomplish 35 construction, rehabilitation, and development projects this year. — Liezelle Soriano Roy, Trainee

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