THE DON Mariano Marcos State University is gearing up for the full operations of the DMMSU Special Economic Zone Institute by holding mentoring sessions for local government units.

DMMSU officials held an online forum with representatives of LGUs to discuss the possible establishment of special eco-zones in the region.

The attendees from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan were mentored on developing industries toward a globally competitive and export-oriented regional economy.

University President Shirley Agrupis said the initiative by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority-MMSU-Special Economic Zone Institute signifies its zeal to partner with local governments “in transforming the institute’s strategic roadmap into reality.”

“As the MMSU-SEZI operates in full swing, we are committed to make our region flourish as a hub of immense development,” Agrupis said.

She added that the institute set up its manpower development program and organized various activities in support of the government’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa project, which aims to boost rural development.

Charito Plaza, PEZA director general, urged the MMSU-SEZI to develop its Knowledge, Innova-tion, Science and Technology Park to attract more investors and help LGUs establish SEZs in their own localities.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc thanked the MMSU-SEZI for collaborating with the LGUs, saying that the endeavor will generate jobs for the Ilocanos.