This post was recovered from an article first posted on 2012-12-15 01:52:23
[photo: crcarch201212150152a]
For its 5th Round Table Discussion on Structural Reform, the Center for Research and Communication explored the theme of regional decentralization. Held on December 3, 2012 at the Telengtan Hall, University of Asia and the Pacific, the RTD was participated in by former President Fidel V. Ramos, Usec. Laura Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Darren Dapas of the U. S. Embassy. This final round table discussion of the Structural Reform series had the objective of studying export processing zones as models of regional governance. Atty. Ramon Abregado of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) presented the free trade zone’s development track record. Dr. Lilia De Lima of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority expounded on PEZA’s new export processing zones and measures for combating corruption. Atty. Demosthenes Donato gave a summary of the efforts for foreign investment liberalization, parliamentary government and regional decentralization initiated by the Structural Reform RTDs. Atty. Ma. Cristina Anillo-Jacinto of the Congressional Committee on Constitutional Amendments reported on their public consultations tackling investment liberalization, and Usec. Cristino Panlilio of the Board of Investments discussed the Constitutional amendments supported by the BOI and the Department of Trade and Industry. Former President Ramos suggested promoting the Manila Bay area, with its infrastructure, agriculture, technology and academe, as a development cluster to attract investors.
