The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), led by Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile, convened the stakeholders of the local tourism industry on July 20, 2023 at the CEZA Corporate Center, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP). On top of CEZA and the Local Government Unit of Sta. Ana, the activity also gathered the owners and/or representatives of the accommodation sector, particularly the operators of hotels, resorts, lodging houses and homestays, for a consultation meeting/dialogue.

Aware of the current issues faced by this industry and eager to enhance the tourism industry in the area, Sec. Enrile recognized this initiative as a significant platform to provide updates on the latest development endeavors of CEZA, to discuss various concerns related to the local tourism industry and operations, and to formulate sensible and mutually agreeable solutions to current issues related to the tourism operations in the area. As such, the activity allowed the stakeholders – private and

public entities alike – to freely raise their concerns, identify gaps in delivering quality tourism products and services and discuss possible solutions in accordance with generally acceptable tourism standards.

Sec. Enrile delivered a message that discussed about the importance of customer experience and satisfaction in tourism promotions and in gaining new and returning guests. As such, she also encouraged everyone to do their part to make sure that tourists are provided with premium products and services, and these include efforts in maintaining a clean, orderly and sustainable Cagayan Freeport.

The activity also became a venue to identify areas for improvements. Among the concerns raised and discussed by the attendees were implementing proper waste management and sewerage systems, addressing illegal operations, enhancing security in the Zone, expanding tourism products and services, clarifying and standardizing tourism fees and other charges, and many more. Sec. Enrile assured that CEZA is committed to help in the promotion, expansion and protection of the local tourism industry through facilitation in policy-making and implementation, assistance to community-based tourism enterprises and other stakeholders, development of infrastructure and facilities, network linkages, promotions, provision of other support like security, and overall management and supervision of the area. She also added that CEZA would be working closely with the LGU and other government agencies to ensure that there will be no overlapping of functions and policies, and no confusion to the public.

Meanwhile, CEZA Deputy Administrator Perla Tumaliuan emphasized that tourism development and promotion are shared responsibilities among the private and public stakeholders. Seeing the diverse concerns raised by the stakeholders in the course of this discussion, DA Tumaliuan pointed out that the efforts to address the issues raised and to elevate tourism in the area are not just expected from CEZA and the LGU alone, or to the government in general for this matter, but from the concerted effort and partnership among all the stakeholders. She added that this partnership would encourage the participation of all parties in the development of tourism strategy, communication, adherence to set standards and policies, and implementation of tourism programs to achieve and sustain a common goal.

CEZA is committed to continuing partnership among the stakeholders to be able to implement a smooth tourism campaign in the Zone. “I owe it to the person who made the law creating the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, who happens to be my father, to now make this place work,” Sec. Enrile shared. CEZA has been created through R.A. 7922 or the “Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995”, which was authored by then Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

The activity was also participated by Sta. Ana LGU Tourism Head Sheryl Diane Mare Tabag, CEZA Chief of Staff Carlos Miguel Hernandez, CEZA Consultant Atty. Gil Aromin, officers and identified personnel of the CEZA Community-Based Tourism Division, Community Assistance and Development Division, and other divisions, as well as owners and/or representatives from Sta. Ana Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association (SAHARRA), Nangaramoan Beach Resorts, Maseta Beach Resorts, other hotels, resorts and lodging houses in Sta. Ana, and CEZA-registered enterprises. #SaCEZAKabahagiKa