CEZA COLLABORATES TO NURTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND HELP ICT DEVELOPMENT RISE IN THE CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION!

16 April 2024

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) joined the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other significant ICT players and stakeholders in Region II on April 02, 2024 at Go Hotels, Tuguegarao City to attend the first-ever ICT Summit and Exhibitions in Region 2 (RISE 2). With the theme, “Empower, Connect, Innovate: Let’s Rise to Promote Philippine Digital Ecosystems,” this gathering was orchestrated by DICT and garnered significant attendance from various sectors, including industry leaders and influencers, ICT Councils, Local Government units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), academic institutions, as well as other stakeholders, locators and investors.

The Deputy Administrator I for Support Services of CEZA, Ms. Perla C. Tumaliuan, attended as a distinguished panelist on behalf of Administrator and CEO, Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile. DA Tumaliuan used this opportunity to showcase CEZA to the plenary and spark the interest of the stakeholders to partake a role as an investor, developer or operator in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP). She also conveyed that participation in activities like this is not just stepping stones in the realization of CEZA’s mandate to promote and develop the CSEZFP into an attractive and world-class investment, tourism and recreation hub, but would also allow it to partake in the country’s harmonious efforts towards ICT development.

Over the last decade, CEZA has been acknowledged to be the pioneer of two digital industries that have become lucrative in the Asian market. For one, CEZA is known as the first interactive gaming jurisdiction in Asia. Through the years, it has earned its reputation to be one of the stable and rising i-gaming jurisdictions in the world. Second, CEZA is also at the forefront of the global blockchain revolution, as it has pioneered Financial Technology and Cryptocurrency Business in Asia. Upon the assumption of Sec. Enrile as the Head of CEZA, one of her marching orders was the strengthening of the regulatory framework and infrastructure for ICT industries. With its continued efforts to providing a modern, safe and secured haven for technological innovations, CEZA is sure to be a significant channel of Region II and the country in fostering an ideal environment and opening opportunities for ICT development.

The event also provided a platform for the participants to learn, assess and address the specific needs and opportunities in the Region, and to collaborate to each other, fostering a harmonious environment conducive to growth. Other panelists also included Honorable Maila Ting-Que – Mayor of Tuguegarao City and Chairperson of the Tuguegarao City ICT Council, Honorable Jayve Diaz – City Councilor of Ilagan City and Representative of the ICT and Innovation Council of Ilagan City, and other esteemed representatives from various ICT Councils of Region 2.