THE RETURN. Eleven Casiguran farmers attended the event, where economic zones such as Apeco were a key point of discussion. Photo by Abram P. Barrameda
THE AURORA Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) issue will make or break President Benigno Aquino III’s socio-economic agenda.
This is what Task Force Anti-Apeco National Head Jerik Cruz said in an election-oriented forum held Wednesday, April 24 at the Leong Hall Roof Deck.
He was one of three speakers in “Kuwentong Bayan: Huntahan sa Halalan na may Kasiyahan,” a national situationer organized by non-partisan and Jesuit-led organization Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan.
The other two speakers were Ateneo Vice President for Social Development Atty. Jaime Hofileña, who talked about the fact-checking initiative created by the Ateneo School of Government, and Institute for Political and Electoral Reform Executive Director Ramon Casiple, who presented statistics about poverty in the Philippines.
The forum was attended by 11 farmers from Casiguran, who started their second protest march against Apeco last April 16.
On inclusive governance
Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People states that the President “envisions a country that has achieved inclusive growth.”
However, that remains to be seen according to Cruz.
“What is inclusive growth really all about? ‘[It] is both an outcome and a process,’” he said.
“Apeco violates both elements.”
Cruz said there are different exclusions to the benefits of economic zones, including that of unskilled labor, the erosion of inclusive governance and enclave development.
“Unskilled, displaced residents in economic zones are normally left to jockey for a limited number of unstable and low paying menial positions,” Cruz said.
They also need to deal with indecent work conditions.
“Eco zone operators and investors are not answerable to public decision-making processes, often operating with impunity,” he added.
For Cruz, the Apeco issue is “a very good wake-up call” on the real situation of the nation’s inclusive growth.
“Hacienda Luisita is the one case that will make or break land reform. I think the Apeco case is the same case that will make or break our country turning [the Aquino administration] over into a genuine kind of inclusive development,” he said.
Cruz called on elected candidates this year “to really think about the issue of our development plan.”
