MORE than a year since the first community quarantine in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Economic Zone II (MEZ II) continues to show resilience as it maintains stable industrial operations amid the ongoing pandemic.
MEZ II is a 63-hectare mixed-use development registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. It hosts 49 industrial locators in light to medium industries that include precision instruments, medical equipment, communication and electronics, automotive supplies, apparel, and furniture.
With the support of the Lapu-Lapu City Government, MEZ II was able to operate through the strictest periods of lockdown.
Unhampered operations at MEZ II mean that locators can continue to provide jobs for their 12,000 employees, even as they adapt to production demand changes, labor support challenges, and supply chain ecosystem constraints.
MEZ II is operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., in partnership with the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA). The Aboitiz Group has been managing MEZ II for over 25 years, improving its facilities and raising the quality of life in the surrounding communities.
Along with the rest of the Aboitiz Group, MEZ II extended concessions to its locators by offering a 50 percent discount on rent covering a five-month period last year, the only industrial development to do so in the Philippines.
This provided timely relief to locators at that time, as they reeled from a drop in sales and unexpected expenses related to COVID-19 restrictions.
In addition, MEZ II has offered its locators a preferential rate scheme beyond their current lease term, an offer that has been well received by locators, as a majority have chosen to avail of an initial extension.
“As we all gradually recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed in helping our partner locators get back on their feet. We are hopeful that our locators will continue to show the same level of trust and commitment that Aboitiz, MCIAA, the government and the Cebuano people have shown them for the past 25 years, by choosing to extend their agreements with us for an even longer period of time,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, first vice president for the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers.
“Rest assured that the Aboitiz Group will continue to support our locators and stakeholders by providing the highest level of service possible and uplifting our host communities, no matter what challenges may lie ahead,” he added.
To ensure minimal disruption, disinfection of common areas in MEZ II are regularly scheduled.
A strict no face mask no entry policy is implemented, with safety reminders posted throughout the development.
MEZ II also holds regular virtual meetings with locators regarding concerns and safety procedures, such as the reporting system, contact tracing, infection control, and other Covid-related matters. (PR)