By Sherlyn B. Nicolas

Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), in collaboration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and its partner state universities and colleges (SUCs), is stepping up to offer Master in Economic Zone Administration (MEZA) this year. 

The MEZA is being eyed to develop industry-competitive and professional leaders who can guide various regions toward achieving economic growth. 

A planning and consultation workshop for this purpose was conducted by the MMSU-Special Economic Zone Institute (SEZI) last March 10-11. It was participated in by the SEZI representatives from Isabela State University, Central Philippines State University, and Cebu Technological University, along with PEZA Executive Assistant Neilbert G. Gajudo. 

In the event, the participants reviewed the MEZA curriculum and its proposed syllabus, and identified resources needed to offer the course at the MMSU Graduate School. 

Yet, the proposal still needs to be evaluated by the University Curriculum Committee, then it will proceed to the University Academic Council, and to the MMSU Board of Regents. 

Gajudo said the MEZA is programmed by the consortium to enable the SEZI to hone leaders and managers who can lead and guide the region towards economic growth. He added that prospective enrollees of the course are those working with economic development sectors in the region. 

SEZI is envisioned to be a center of leadership excellence and management innovation in the fields of research, instruction, production and extension towards the institutionalization of the instruments of promotion for export-based investments, professionalization of the personnel of economic zones administration and the proliferation of export-literate workforce in the country. 

Since the establishment of the SEZI at MMSU, various activities are implemented such as consultation-workshops on special ecozone establishments with the local government units in Region I. (StratCom)