PGMA to honor outstanding locators in RP’s economic zones

MANILA, April 29 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will honor today (Wednesday) the 25 outstanding locators in the country’s economic zones in recognition of their significant contribution to the Philippines’ economic growth and development, particularly in the creation of jobs.

When still a senator, the President was the principal sponsor of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) law and other economic measures which have become the framework of the Philippines’ business environment.

The awarding of trophies to the outstanding locators will be held during the 2009 PEZA Investors’ Recognition Day at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

To assist the President are Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila and PEZA Director-General Lilia de Lima.

The awards will be given to the Outstanding Exporters, Outstanding Employers, Outstanding Community Projects, and Outstanding Environment Performers.

The Outstanding Exporters awards will go to six locators based on the value of their exports, total percentage of export growth, total net trade balance, and their being good corporate citizens.

They are Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Corporation; American Power Conversion Corporation BV; Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation; Panasonic Communications Philippines Corporation; Accenture Incorporated; and Convergy’s Philippines Services Corporation.

The Outstanding Employer awards will be given to eight locators which generated the most number of jobs, who highly regarded the welfare of their workers, and who maintained harmony between labor and management.

The eight Outstanding Employer awardees are Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines) Incorporated; Nidec Philippines Corporation; Epson Precision (Philippines) Incorporated; Teletech Customer Care Management Philippines Inc.; Convergy’s Philippines Services Corporation; Sitel Philippines Corporation; Faremo International Incorporated; and House Research and Development Pte., Ltd.

The Outstanding Community Project awards will go to eight PEZA locators cited for establishing close relationships with the community through scholarship programs, free medical and dental services, tree planting, gift-giving or similar pro-community projects.

The Outstanding Community Project awards will be given to Analog Devices Gen. Trias Inc.; Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corp.; Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corp; Samsung Electronics Philippines Manufacturing Corp; Teletech Customer Care Management Philippines Inc.; Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd; Hitec RCD Philippines Inc.; and EMS Components Assembly Inc.

The President will also present the Outstanding Environmental Performers awards to four locators which have institutionalized their environmental management systems, complied with environmental regulations and fostered partnership between the government and the industry in caring for the environment while simultaneously sustaining economic growth.

The Outstanding Environmental Performers are Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corp.; Rohm Electronics Philippines Inc; Nikko Metals Philippines Inc; and AGC Flat Glass Philippines Inc.

Five locators were also elevated to the Hall of Fame for being three-time winners of the Outstanding Exporter, Outstanding Employer, Outstanding Environment Performer and Outstanding Community Project awards.