The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) announced that Mr. Joseph De Guzman Lara II took his oath of office before Secretary Raul L. Lambino on February 11, 2020.

The 27-year-old Lara II hails from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. He is the son of Cagayan 3rd district Congressman Joseph “Jojo” L. Lara.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Lara II to the CEZA,” says Sec. Lambino who is the administrator and chief executive officer of CEZA.

Mr. Lara II will represent the Private Sector from Santa Ana, Cagayan, replacing Mr. Vicente P. Cuevas who contributed significantly to the growth of CEZA during his tenure.

Coming into the role, Mr. Lara II brings with him his worth of experience as a young businessman. He is a civil engineer by profession, and currently holds the role of chief operating officer (COO) of Pulsar Construction, a family business, in addition to running and managing his own hotel and restaurant in Tuguegarao City.

“I am confident that with his experience and expertise, it will benefit CEZA as we seek to further the development of the Special Economic Zone and Freeport,” Lambino said.

“His experience in business management and investment strategies will benefit the agency. We look forward to his young insights and suggestions as we navigate this rapid growth and the challenges that come in the coming years,” he added.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Lara II stated, ” I am very excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to joining the CEZA Board of Directors. I am impressed with CEZA’s commitment to spur economic growth in Northern Luzon and help improve the quality of life of the people living in and near the Freeport. I am very willing to contribute and share my skills to assist the CEZA team to achieve their goal of attracting productive foreign and local investments in the freeport zone.”