All business operations at Cavite Economic Zones (CEZ) I and II have been suspended beginning the afternoon of March 19 until further notice, but import and export cargoes will be allowed to enter and exit the zone.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza, in CEZ Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-013 dated March 19, said the suspension was recommended by the zone administrator due to the increased number of positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and persons under investigation/persons under monitoring in Cavite.
PEZA said it “arrived at this painstaking decision after considering the health and safety of our valued ecozone locators and workers, including the surrounding communities,” and to support the government’s efforts to avert the spread of COVID-19.
All companies are ordered to send their employees home but they may opt to keep a skeletal workforce to do basic administration, maintenance, and security. The workers will be on confined accommodation in the company premises.
No employees will be allowed to enter CEZ I and II starting 6 p.m. on March 19 except those designated as part of the skeletal workforce, with the expressed approval of the zone administrator.
CEZ will have a skeletal workforce to assist its locators and address their concerns through phone calls and emails.
In addition, import and export cargoes will be allowed to enter and exit the zone, pursuant to the Memorandum of the Executive Secretary dated March 16 and Department of Trade and Industry Memorandum Circular No. 20-06 that order the unhampered movement of all cargoes during the Luzon enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 13.
READ: All cargoes must pass unhampered, DTI stresses in memo
All requests for certification for movements of cargoes shall be submitted through email and issuance of such certification will be through email as well. – Roumina Pablo
