I recently attended the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) of the Philippines General Membership Meeting, where former Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia De Lima served as the keynote speaker. Her address was both inspiring and insightful, offering a powerful testament to effective leadership through the formidable challenges she faced and overcame during her tenure.
A Remarkable Journey
Lilia De Lima’s story is remarkable. Leading PEZA for 21 years under four different Philippine presidents, each with their own style and approach to governance, was no easy feat. Yet, her philosophy remained constant: work with integrity, dedication, and honesty. This approach to effective leadership helped her guide the agency through years of uncertainty and change, laying the foundation for one of the most respected government agencies in the country.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
When appointed by the late President Fidel Ramos, her mandate was clear: implement the newly passed PEZA law. She faced a monumental challenge from the start—PEZA had no budget allocation. The agency was financially strapped, burdened with inefficient bureaucracy and corruption, and inherited billions of pesos in debt. Many would have been overwhelmed, but Lilia saw it as an opportunity to rebuild.
Combating Corruption and Improving Efficiency
With determination and a clear vision, she set out to combat corruption within PEZA. Facing intense opposition, including death threats and interference attempts by politicians, she remained undeterred. A bold move was reducing the agency’s workforce from over 1,000 to just 460. This wasn’t just about cutting costs but about creating a leaner, more efficient organization with staff who shared her values of integrity and excellence.
Lilia understood that real change required more than just policy shifts; it needed a cultural transformation. She worked tirelessly to instill a culture of absolute honesty and integrity within PEZA, embedding these core values into daily operations and the organization’s ethos. Her commitment to effective leadership was key in reshaping the agency.
Innovative Leadership and Effective Governance
Innovation was another hallmark of Lilia’s leadership. Despite the lack of budget, she found creative ways to deliver services and streamline processes. For instance, PEZA facilitated faster processing times for companies with the Bureau of Immigration and required only proof of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expedite registration. These initiatives significantly improved efficiency and made PEZA a model of effective governance.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Her leadership shows clear results. From July 1995 to June 2016, PEZA’s jurisdiction expanded from 16 to 343 economic zones. Despite halving personnel numbers, each employee supported an average of eight companies, showcasing the efficiency gains she achieved.
Throughout her talk, Lilia emphasized that she did not achieve success alone. She credited four presidents, various departments, and her dedicated team of 460 personnel for their support and commitment to integrity. She also highlighted her faith in God, which she believes guided her through her challenges. Her humility and gratitude stood out as she recounted her many accomplishments.
Lilia’s legacy goes beyond her work at PEZA. As the first Filipino of her background to join parliament, she is celebrated for her relentless fight for what is right. Her story powerfully reminds us of the impact effective leadership can have. Looking to the future, she identifies opportunities for PEZA in areas like “just-in-time” manufacturing, where even a second of delay can lead to significant losses. This insight underscores her ongoing relevance and thought leadership in economic development.
A Beacon for Leaders
Lilia De Lima’s journey is a compelling narrative of courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. She transformed PEZA from a struggling organization into a leading force in Philippine economic development, demonstrating that effective leadership can be a game-changer in governance. Her story serves as a beacon for all leaders, illustrating the profound impact of doing one’s job with honesty, dedication, and purpose.
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