Aurora economic zone executive resigns

CASIGURAN, Aurora, Philippines – The chairman and administrator of the Aurora Special Economic Zone Authority has resigned from his post less than a year after being appointed by President Arroyo, virtually leaving a leadership vacuum in the fledgling and only economic zone this side of the Pacific.

Joseph Delano-Bernardo, a former Philippine ambassador to Spain, tendered his resignation to President Arroyo and the Board of Trustees of the ASEZA, which took effect June 15. He was appointed ASEZA chairman and administrator by President Arroyo on Aug. 1, last year.

Bernardo told The STAR that the post of chairman and administrator of ASEZA is a “very demanding job” which took a toll on him and his family.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, who is in Japan with President Arroyo, confirmed Bernardo’s resignation. He said the latter would like to spend more time with his family. 

Bernardo is the second top-ranking ASEZA official to resign in four months. Last February, Jaime Melendres, deputy administrator, also tendered his resignation.

But unlike Bernardo, the reason for the resignation of Melendres, a former official of the Clark Development Corp. during the administration of former President Ramos, was unknown.

Before his resignation, Bernardo and ASEZA officials have been encountering problems running the affairs of the economic zone, including the issue of right-of-way, possible displacement of tenant farmers and land owners in the impact zone of the project and compensation package for those to be affected.

Bernardo said they have already found a suitable place for relocation for the affected families, at an area to be provided by the National Housing Authority and the provincial government.

The STAR gathered that Bernardo resigned because of “tremendous pressure” as he was forced to assume the dual post of chairman and administrator and chief executive officer all at the same time for lack of a CEO.   

Gigi Maristela, administrative officer of ASEZA, has been appointed officer-in-charge in place of Bernardo.       

Commenting on Bernardo’s resignation, Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo said the former will be a great loss to ASEZA because of his expertise and connections. “He’s an expert in linking with other government agencies especially in the area of investments,” she said of Bernardo.

The law creating the ASEZA, a pet project of the Angaras, was signed by the Chief Executive on June 27,2007. It started operations Aug. 18 and opened its Makati office only on Nov. 18.