Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, reintroduced this Authority’s land-based and online gaming package during the Sigma Asia/AIBC Summit held on July 21, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. CEZA, as a gaming jurisdiction option, presents itself as an ideal investment option, putting into consideration its strategic geographical position in the global setting, modern infrastructure and support facilities, and clear set of policies and systems that make it a safe haven for operators and players.

The geographical location of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) puts it in a favorable position to conveniently penetrate the gaming and digital markets of the Asia-Pacific Region and the United States. This makes it suitable for the industry leaders, professionals and players to seamlessly connect and for the businesses to strategically tap a vast network of trade and commerce.

The discussion of Sec. Enrile also highlighted CEZA’s continued efforts to keep up with the changes of time. She revealed how this Authority is incessantly expanding its infrastructure and upgrading its facilities as it acknowledges how advanced and innovative the operations of the gaming and digital industries require. She boasted of the infrastructure at the CSEZFP that could cater to an array of industries.

She also expanded how CEZA can be a safe haven for operators and players. As a pioneer gaming jurisdiction, CEZA is well-prepared and equipped to select, scrutinize and monitor the operations of its registered gaming companies. It has established a comprehensive regulatory framework and an astringent betting process to safeguard both the operators and players.

She also conveyed that CEZA is continuously refining its systems and process to fortify its statute as a reputable gaming authority. To make this possible, she revealed CEZA’s efforts to streamline its process, reduce bureaucratic red-tape and ensure smooth journey for licensees by embracing an investment-centric approach that fosters a culture of growth, collaboration and innovation. She added that integrity is at the core of CEZA’s approach and offers an environment where operators can operate with confidence, knowing they are part of a clean and transparent industry.

She ensured that safeguards are enforced to capacitate CEZA to stand as a shield against misguided elements of law enforcement. On one hand, it is committed to provide the necessary policies and system to prevent its licensees from becoming conduits for money-laundering or associated with criminalities.  On the other hand, this Authority is also committed to protect its licensees from undue harassments or unwarranted interferences, caused by syndicated strategies, abuse, exploitation, coercion and extortion.

Sec. Enrile also emphasized the role of collaboration as a significant key to make this journey succeed. For one, CEZA is integrating retired generals from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and First Scout Ranger Regiment in its security force. This move intends to strengthen its security and law enforcement capability. Moreover, it has also created a dedicated security force whose role is to coordinate with fellow law enforcement agencies and implement strategic manning, intelligence sharing and swift action. This will not only fortify this Authority’s law enforcement and monitoring systems, but will also eliminate revenue leakages and provide a platform for fair and equitable ecosystem to all industry stakeholders.

In the same light, Sec. Enrile noted that this drive to reinforce the gaming and digital industries coincide with the mandate of CEZA to generate investment and create opportunities for economic growth and employment opportunities in the CSESFP. Likewise, it also adheres to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s administration to maximize revenue collection through investment generation and aggressive revenue collection. #SaCEZAKabahagiKa #InvestWithCEZA #AlagangKatrina