MANILA, Philippines -- Departing from his usual blistering tirade on his predecessor, President Aquino has given a rare compliment to his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, for retaining Lilia De Lima as director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

President Aquino said the reappointment of de Lima was one of the few right decisions made by Arroyo, now representative of Pampanga’s second district.

At the 16th anniversary of PEZA at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last Thursday night, the President cited the “strong leadership” of De Lima, one of the longest serving government agency heads, in overseeing the impressive performance of PEZA in recent years.

De Lima has headed PEZA since the administration of Fidel Ramos. She was reappointed by then Presidents Estrada, Arroyo, and now Aquino.

“Of course, much of what PEZA has accomplished would not be possible without the strong leadership of Director General Lilia B. de Lima. Since 1995, her leadership has been characterized by her no-corruption, no-red-tape, and only-red-carpet treatment to investors,” the President said.

“In fact, one of the few things that, I think, the past administration did right was the reappointment of Director General De Lima,” said Aquino, who usually complains about the problems he inherited from the Arroyo government.

Under De Lima’s watch, PEZA has facilitated the entry of P1.71 trillion worth of investments located in economic zones all over the country since 1995. In 2010, total investments in PEZA reached almost P205 billion, more than 17 percent higher compared to 2009, according to the President.

He said PEZA has enhanced its services to investors, adding the Filipino people are truly grateful “for having such a dedicated and honorable public servant.”

The rising number of economic zones in the country, the President said, was a testament to the country’s ability to provide the right environment for private enterprise that was nurtured by PEZA.

“With high levels of education, fluency in English, skills in the fields of automotive, construction, metals and engineering, and infor-mation technology, our 38-million-strong labor force remains one of the greatest assets, if not investments, of the country,” he said.

Last year, direct employment in PEZA increased by more than 20 percent, from just around 610,000 jobs in 2009 to more than 735,000 jobs today.

The President also credited the agency for aiding the “phenomenal rise” in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the country, which recently surpassed India in total revenues for call center operations, and earning profits of over $5.7 billion.

“With PEZA capitalizing on these advantages, I am confident that for 2011, you will not only reach your 10 percent growth target, but will most likely surpass it—and if you reach a hundred percent improvement, I will be eternally grateful,” he said.

Aquino likewise praised PEZA for remitting P12.7 billion to the National Treasury from 1995 to 2010.

He said the government will continue to provide an investor-friendly environment to enable businesses to flourish.

The administration is committed to fast-track the facilitation of the approval and implementation of business projects, not only to guarantee a level playing field, but also to prove that the Philippines is governed by an administration that responds to the concerns of all sectors, the President said.

“With agencies like PEZA that stand as our allies in our fight to bring back dignity into governance, and with all the investors who never fail to recognize their social responsibility to the community, I remain confident that we will complete this economic resurgence,” he said.

“As we journey toward the straight and righteous path, the world is finally beginning to see what we are truly capable of,” Aquino said.