Red Cross, PEZA agree to better shield economic zones from disasters

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the facilitation of disaster preparedness programs in economic zones.

In an online forum, PRC chairman and Senator Richard Gordon together with PEZA Director General Charito Plaza signed the MOU that will formally establish a framework for the disaster preparedness programs in all economic zones across the country.

Under the said agreement, PEZA and PRC should provide each other the necessary inputs to fast-track the development by way of technical assistance, priority areas, to conduct disaster preparedness program and initiatives within PEZA ecozones and locators.

Both parties should carry out measures that are geared towards the realization of the objectives as set forth in the agreement to enhance the coordination, cooperation, including the provisions of technical assistance and capability building in adapting the disaster management services or programs for further safeguard of the developers and locators, as well as the workers in PEZA-controlled ecozones.

Both PEZA and PRC shall also explore opportunities for joint cooperation in the enhancement of disaster risk reduction and preparedness in all the PEZA ecozones.

The signing was witnessed by officials from PEZA including deputy director general for policy planning Mr. Tereso Panga, and PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zaballa, among others.

PEZA and PRC have organized an online forum on vaccination and reviving the economy on Friday.  The forum was attended by National Task Force on COVID-19 Special Adviser Dr. Teodoro Herbosa.—LDF, GMA News