Daily Tribune“His administration has recorded consistent increases in investment approvals, including over P52.9 billion worth of investments in the first two months of 2025 alone, proof of the strong investor confidence he continues to inspire. Thousands of jobs have been created under his term, and PEZA has remained a vital engine of growth and industrial development in the Philippines.”
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PEZA Director General Tereso Panga.
Photo courtesy of PEZA
Following his submission of a courtesy resignation in adherence to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for all investment promotion agency (IPA) and government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) heads to vacate their posts, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso Panga continues to receive overwhelming support from ecozone locators, industry associations, and key government officials.
Among those who vouched for Panga’s performance was Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, who on Monday, in an ambush interview, said she assumes that all “IPA heads will be retained,” including PEZA chief Panga.
“I think so because the whole DTI (team) is doing a good job. We surpassed our targets last year. I am sure they will stay. But the President will have the final say as they are Presidential appointees. But we don’t recommend it, but if they ask us, then we can suggest it. But we all serve for the pleasure of the President,” she said.
Roque, who also chairs the PEZA Board, emphasized the importance of continuity and performance across the economic team.
“They are part of our team, so we make sure that other members will (really) perform as expected because we must deliver what is expected of us. However, we don’t know the plans of our President as he may have other plans that are much better than our plans,” Roque added.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick Go, echoed Secretary Roque in saying that all IPAs have performed well.
“I think the IPAs are doing a good job, in my opinion,” Go said in a chance interview.
Backing for Panga also came from within the agency. The PEZA Employees Association, in a statement signed by its president Mark Kevin Samson and released on 28 May, lauded Panga’s “visionary leadership” and its impact on the country’s investment landscape.
The association noted that under Panga’s stewardship, PEZA has achieved significant gains in investment approvals, job creation, and its role as a key contributor to the Philippine economy.
“His administration has recorded consistent increases in investment approvals, including over P52.9 billion worth of investments in the first two months of 2025 alone, proof of the strong investor confidence he continues to inspire. Thousands of jobs have been created under his term, and PEZA has remained a vital engine of growth and industrial development in the Philippines,” the group said.
The association also highlighted Panga’s international recognition, such as the Icon of Change Award for championing Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and the Global Excellence in Leadership and Investment Award.
"More than these recognitions, DG Panga has consistently been at the forefront of addressing long-standing concerns of PEZA-registered enterprises. He has actively pushed for policy reforms, including the amendment of the CREATE Act, to better align with the needs of our stakeholders. He has also provided steady and pragmatic guidance during the implementation of the Work-from-Home arrangements for IT-BPM enterprises, ensuring business continuity while protecting the integrity of the PEZA incentive system,” the group stated.
Beyond internal support, various industry groups have expressed confidence in Panga’s continued leadership. Among those endorsing him are the Mactan Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers, the Cavite Export Zone Investors Association, and the Philippine Exporters Confederation of the Philippines.
After receiving the memo from the Office of the President last week, Panga said he complied as a career appointee of the President, expressing support for the President’s call for a bureaucratic reset.
“In the meantime, operations are normal at PEZA as we continue to serve the needs of Registered Business Enterprises, the Business Community, and continue to acquire new investments for our country. We will continue to work and ensure that PEZA remains a crucial performing agency in the economic team of the President,” Panga said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
