Cagayan Freeport- The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority as it continues to promote tourism activities within the zone has received an award as partner for implementation of the Department of Tourism programs in the recently concluded Regional Tourism Forum and Awards Night 2022 of the Department of Tourism Regional Office 02 at the Isabela Convention Center (ICon), Cauayan City which was held last May 31, 2022.

Also awarded is the Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA), the Asean Community-Based Tourism Awardee cited as the longest running Federated Tourism Organization in the region. PEPA is the mother association of all sub-group of CEZA assisted organizations that provides various tourism related services to visitors of Palaui Island. It also manages the Nature Village where the Bayanihan Hall, eco-lodges, survivor corner, massage huts, weaver’s production area and honey hunters’ production area are located.

This goes to show that CEZA under the leadership of Secretary Raul L. Lambino, Administrator and CEO has not waivered its commitment in supporting the transformation of tourism industry not only in the municipality of Santa Ana but in the whole Region II after its long standstill condition due to COVID-19 pandemic. It shall continue to ensure that the tourism destinations and businesses at the Cagayan Freeport are viable, competitive and able to achieve long-term success that can give the tourism players a chance to recover from their economic losses during the pandemic and can help local communities thrive economically and improve their way of living.

(with inputs from Michelle S. Agabin- Acting Head of the Investment Promotion Division)