THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) eyes the resumption of the operations of some of the companies that suspended operations starting today, March 23
Charito Plaza, PEZA director-general said exporters-manufacturers located in the government-owned Cavite ecozone are gearing up for partial and conditional resumption of operations following quarantine compliance and disinfecting of the premises of the zone over the weekend.
The work stoppage last March 19 was made when some staff within the zone were tested positive of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Ahead of that, the two local government units (LGUs) that host Cavite ecozone, Tanza and General Trias, locked down some barangays also due to the rising COVID-19 cases in their areas.
This has made it difficult for some employees to go to work.
According to Plaza, Memoradum Circular 20-08 issued by the Department of Trade and Industry on March 20 ensuring the unhampered movement and transit of cargoes and personnel of businesses allowed to operate during the period of the enhanced national quarantine will now enable the resumption of operations of some of the companies in Cavite ecozone.
But Plaza said this is voluntary and subject to clearance if such companies are qualified and with strict compliance to quarantine protocols.
One of those coordinating with the Cavite economic zone authority for possible resumption is Semitech Electronics Philippines Inc., a Japanese-owned manufacturer of NTC thermistors, sensors used in medical devices.
But Plaza said PEZA reiterates that all ecozone companies must observe partial production operations with skeleton workforce observing social distancing inside the plants. Workers should be provided shuttle service or be housed within the facilities’ premises.
Based on data, Cavite ecozone locators exported $3.5 billion in 2019. There are about 309 companies in the zone, with 86,549 workers.
The top exporters include House Technology Industries Pte Ltd with aout $929.06 million; American Power Conversion Corp. BV, $608.53 million; SCAD Services Pte Ltd, $273 million and PV Tech PTE Ltd, $233 million.
