PEZA and P&A Grant Thornton ink partnership to advance knowledge-sharing and enterprise development
P&A Grant Thornton and PEZA sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the Hall of Flags, PEZA Head Office in Pasay City on 30 July 2026. Present at the signing representing P&A Grant Thornton were James Araullo, Partner for Audit and Assurance and Ecozone Industry Leader, and Romualdo “Boyet” V. Murcia III, Chairman and Managing Partner. Representing PEZA were Tereso Panga, Director General of PEZA, and Vivian Santos, PEZA Deputy Director General.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and P&A Grant Thornton formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Hall of Flags, PEZA Head Office in Pasay City on 30 July 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening knowledge-sharing initiatives and capability-building programmes for PEZA employees, Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs), and members of the ecozone industry.
The partnership centres on P&A Grant Thornton’s role as a knowledge partner of PEZA, through the PEZA Academy, on matters relating to accounting, audit, taxation, compliance, advisory, and other business-relevant topics. Backed by P&A Grant Thornton’s experience in helping businesses address regulatory and operational challenges, the collaboration aims to support PEZA’s development programs and equip RBEs with practical insights to strengthen standards compliance, business resilience, and sustainable growth.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed by Romualdo V. Murcia III, Chairman and Managing Partner of P&A Grant Thornton, and Tereso O. Panga, Director General of PEZA.
Also present to commemorate the signing were P&A Grant Thornton partners James J. Araullo, Audit and Assurance Partner and Ecozone Industry Lead; Ariel V. Morales, Audit and Assurance Partner; and Nikkolai F. Canceran, Tax Compliance & Advisory Partner, together with Vivian S. Santos, PEZA Deputy Director General.
In his message, Murcia emphasised the value of the partnership in supporting enterprises through timely and practical knowledge-sharing. “By sharing our experience and expertise, we hope to contribute to PEZA’s continuous efforts to empower its registered enterprises, enhance their competitiveness, and create lasting value for the broader business community.” said Murcia.
Meanwhile, Panga highlighted PEZA’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its employees and RBEs through the PEZA Academy. “Beyond enhancing individual capabilities, this partnership contributes to PEZA's broader mission of fostering a competitive and investment-friendly business environment. A well-equipped workforce and well-informed enterprises translate into better services, stronger governance, and greater confidence among investors—qualities that reinforce the Philippines' position as a preferred investment destination.” Panga noted.
Through this partnership, P&A Grant Thornton will deliver learning initiatives that translate technical knowledge into practical guidance for employees and RBEs, supporting the shared goal of building more informed, prepared, and resilient enterprises.
As published in The Philippine Star Property, Insider PH and Manila Standard, dated 07 and 08 august 2026