CL Invest Digest 2021

iCnLGvCeFsI t digest The official newsletter of the
Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc.

2021 1st Semester Issue

Petron Commits P14.6Billion
Investments in Bataan

Petron Corporation welcomed the approval of its
application as a Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB)-
Registered Enterprise and thanked the Authority
of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Board for
this positive development. The Petron Bataan
Refinery (PBR), the Philippines’ largest oil refinery,
is now the 12th FAB expansion area.

NEWS INSIDE As part of its commitment to AFAB, Petron is
expected to undertake several capital investments
• SBMA Posts P820.8 Million Operating amounting to nearly P3 billion within five years to
further improve the efficiency of the integrated
Revenue in First Quarter 2021 - p.4 operation of the refinery as it ensures supplying
fuel for the country. The company is also building
• Quarry Collections Under Governor Delta
continued on page 13
Surge to P1 Billion - p.8
BOI Approves P356 Million
• Major Infrastructure Projects Flock Bike Project in Bulacan

Bulacan - p.13 The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the
application of TRINX Bicycle Sport Technology
• CLGCFI Crafts 2021 Work Plan Amidst Corp. (TBSTC) as a new export producer of bicycles,
which qualifies the company for incentives
COVID-19 Pandemic - p.16 under the Export Activities category of the 2020
Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).
• Bataan: First Carbon Neutral Province in
The P356.4 million project will manufacture
the Making - p.18 road and mountain bikes, foldable electric bikes
(e-bikes), and other bike variants in its proposed

continued on page 12

Working Towards Reality The reality of life has inflicted so much struggles
that we tend to get discouraged by all the
The Province of Tarlac’s Actions hindering factors that come our way. But the
same reality of life, no matter how difficult to
for Post-Pandemic Life grasp, has to be embraced. The same reality is
what reminds us that we are humans, after all,

continued on page 10

2

SLOW, SAFE AND SURE: EMBARKING ON THE PATH
TO REOPENING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY OF ZAMBALES

In line with the national policy for the prevention of sure” reopening of tourism destinations, the DOT
the spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the tourism agreed to fund a Visitor Management System for
industry closed its doors to tourists to discourage Zambales, akin to the Visitor Information and Travel
people from leaving their homes and contribute to Assistance (Vis.I.T.A.) that the DOT provided to
the transmission of this unseen enemy. However, Baguio City through its Tourism Promotions Board
this came at a heavy cost to the private sector as (TPB).
they tried their best to keep their businesses afloat.
No one was fully prepared for the onslaught of the The provincial government of Zambales immediately
pandemic. sent a team of government and private stakeholders
to Baguio to benchmark on the implementation of
Health and economy sat on a very precarious border controls and contact tracing. The inputs from
balance, hence, during the planning stages for the the trip provided the foundations for the eventual
reopening of the tourism industry of Zambales, reopening of the province.
it became more apparent that the best course of
action is to take a slow, safe, and sure approach. Slow The Zambales Visitor and Travel Assistance (Vis.I.T.A.)
because policy decisions never have to be rash and system was developed by Altatech Solutions, the
abrupt; safe because the implemented protocols same company behind Baguio’s Vis.I.T.A. It serves
should be guided by medical and practical advice; as the travel management system of the province
and sure because the guidelines in place will ensure where guests can register their travels and submit
the safety of all industry stakeholders, tourists, and requirements which are validated by the provincial
the local community involved. government. Qualified tourists are then issued
a QR-coded Traveler’s Pass which serves as their
The development process was initiated after the identification during their stay in the province and
virtual bilateral meeting of Zambales Governor allows authorized personnel to confirm information.
Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. with Department of The site also serves as the tourism promotions
Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat platform of the province.
held on December 11, 2020. In a statement released
after the meeting, DOT said, “As local government The reopening of the tourism industry in Zambales
leaders of Zambales start to prepare to reopen took a whole-of-government approach and several
provincial borders to local visitors, DOT vowed to investments. To implement the guidelines for the
provide additional assistance that would intensify reopening, Governor Ebdane established a technical
health and safety protocols in the province.” working group (TWG) composed of relevant
government agencies with representations from
In keeping with its commitment to the “slow but the private sector. The same was also constituted in

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the individual municipalities. The TWG conducted As of July 4, 8,790 individuals have registered with
consultations, inspections, field and table the system. On the average, 220 tourists register per
simulations to make sure that accommodation day with the highest registration recorded at 347 on
establishments are ready to accept guests. The May 28. Forty-one percent (41%) of the registered
TWGs also granted a Local Certificate of Compliance individuals came from the National Capital Region,
to establishments not covered by the Accreditation fifteen percent (15%) from Pampanga and eleven
Guidelines of DOT but are compliant to strict health percent (11%) from Bulacan. A total of 950 tourists
protocols. Border checkpoints with functioning have travelled to Zambales since.
triage and waiting area were set up in the province.
Said checkpoints are manned by personnel from Through the data collected, it was observed that
the Zambales Police Provincial Office, Health Office, the higher end of the market had the larger share
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in tourist arrivals. This is due in part to the Reverse
and Tourism Office. These front liners were tested Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR
before the reopening of the local industry. Test) negative certificate requirement which has to
be performed by a Department of Health (DOH)-
The province of Zambales’ experimental reopening Accredited Testing Center, costing from P900 to
of the local tourism industry was formalized through P3,500 per person. Top-class exclusive resorts
the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 3. The attract those who seek refuge from the hustle and
Zambales Vis.I.T.A. website went live on May 22 bustle of the National Capital Region.
with 199 individuals creating their Vis.I.T.A. account.
On May 28, the first day of travel, 1,659 individuals The administration of Governor Hermogenes E.
registered in the system. Twenty (20) registered Ebdane, Jr. remains committed to protecting the
tourists travelled to Zambales in the first three days local community, at the same time, taking calculated
of the reopening. steps towards reinvigorating the economy of the
province. - Kevin Nacabuan, PTIPO-Zambales

BLOOZA HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND OATH TAKING

The Business Licensing Officer of Olongapo and Enriquez of Castillejos as Vice President, Ms. Heart
Zambales Association (BLOOZA) held an online Quindo of Masinloc as Secretary, Ms. Majalia Dial as
meeting on May 25 to discuss the upcoming Treasurer, Ms. Elsie Alip as Auditor and Ms. Marife
submission of data for the Cities and Municipalities Farala as Muse. The oath taking was administered by
Competitiveness Index (CMCI). To ensure that Ms. Maria Domitela Mora, Provincial Tourism Officer
everyone has a common understanding of the data and Local Economic and Investment Promotion
needed and that no LGU will be left behind, it was Officer Designate.
agreed that LGUs will work in close coordination
with each other in accomplishing the data capture BLOOZA is a member of the Central Luzon
sheet. Association of Business Permit and Licensing
Officers (CLAB), the regional association of BPLOs
Hosted by the Zambales Tourism Office-Investment which was created to provide venue to discuss
Promotions Unit, the meeting also served as a venue and address issues affecting the implementation
for the election of BLOOZA Officers for the term 2021- of competitiveness programs in the LGUs. - Kevin
2022. Elected officers were as follows: Ms. Sandra Nacabuan, PTIPO Zambales
Ecalnir of Olongapo City as President, Mr. Randy

2021 1st Semester

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SBMA POSTS P820.8MILLION OPERATING REVENUE IN 1ST QUARTER 2021

Despite some unrealized revenue targets because
of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recorded a total of
P820.84 million in operating revenues in the first
quarter of 2021, or a 5.23% increase over the P780.08
million it posted in the first quarter last year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. The SBMA FPBD also said that the agency’s earnings
Eisma said income from the SBMA Port Authority before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Group amounting to P374.54 million shored up (EBITDA), which measures profitability and earnings
the agency’s operating revenue by P60 million, potential, increased by 8.41% from P36.84 million in
thus creating a positive balance even as four the first quarter last year to P474.8 million this year.
other Strategic Business Units (SBUs) recorded
decreases in revenue. “The good news was that Meanwhile, the agency’s operating expenses
the SBMA Seaport managed a 25% increase in port increased from P293 million in Q1 2020 to P298.35
revenue because of a 10% increase in the volume of million in Q1 2021, while operating income rose
containerized cargo,” Eisma noted. from P487.08 million in Q1 2020 to P522.49 million
in Q1 2021, and bad debts expense decreased from
“The pandemic might have caused losses to some P49.12 million in Q1 2020 to P47.69 million in the
of our units, but others—like our core business, same period. “We have also recorded substantial
which is the sea port—are coming out as winners,” income losses in the tourism, and understandably
she added. Among the SBMA SBUs that recorded so because of so little visitor traffic since last year.
revenue losses is the Business and Investment Group But we have increases, too, in unexpected area,”
(BIG), a report from the SBMA Financial Planning Eisma revealed.
and Budget Department (FPBD) indicated. BIG’s
operating revenue dropped from P373.69 million in She said that collections in environmental and
the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020) to P371.89 million tourism fees dropped by 89% to just P3.06 million
in Q1 2021, or a decrease of P1.8 million (0.48%). in the first three months this year, along with a 99%
decline in tourism facilities utilities fees; 98.7% drop
Meanwhile, the Regulatory Group also posted in tour guide fees; and 100% decline in rental of the
losses, with P22.34 million in Q1 2020 to P8.39 Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, which
million in Q1 2021, or a decrease of P13.95 million was previously a major income earner.
(62.44%); Chairman and Administrator’s Group, from
P5.57 million in Q1 2020 to P1.77 million in Q1 2021, However, Eisma pointed out that the agency
or a decrease of P3.8 million (68.28%); and Support made P241,637 in sports facilities rental at the first
Services Group, from P7.63 million in Q1 2020 to quarter this year, compared to zero income last year;
P5.92 million in Q1 2021, or a decrease of P1.71 million P35,000 in location site-shoot, which represented
(22.43%). a 116% increase over last year’s figures; and P15,000
in fishing permit collection, which was 113% higher
The only other group that recorded an increase in than that last year. - Mhike Cigaral, Bataan Provincial
operating revenue was the Public Services Group, Information Office
which posted P56.87 million in Q1 2021, or an increase
of P2 million (3.64%) from P54.87 million in Q1 2020.

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NETHERLAND-BASED COMPANY EYES AURORA FOR COCO PALLET PRODUCTION

Coco Pallet, a Netherland-based company that prospects of the project.
produces sustainable, low-cost and bio-based
pallets from coconut husks, is eyeing the province of According to studies, at least 170 million trees are
Aurora as it opens its first factory in the Philippines being cut down to meet the global demand of 1.7
by the last quarter of 2021. billion of one-way wooden pallets used for export
every year. The company believes that wood should
With the Philippines being one of the top producers only be used for more sustainable purposes such as
of coconut in the world, Coco Pallet sought construction and furniture. In addition, reducing the
the assistance of the Department of Trade and use of wood for coco pallet production will lessen the
Industry (DTI)-Aurora as they have been looking cutting of trees, which worsens our current climate
for prospective partners/suppliers. DTI-Aurora OIC- status. Because the coconut husk will only be
Provincial Director Aldrin M. Veneracion and Shared processed with a special machine that only requires
Service Facilities (SSF ) Support Staff Danica heat and pressure, carbon dioxide emission will be
Marion Gorospe accompanied the team on their reduced. Coco pallet is 100% natural, biodegradable,
visit to the processing area of Aurora Agri-Ventures free of any synthetic resins and more affordable.
Producers Cooperative located at Barangay Reserva, Compared to the wooden pallet that needs to be
Baler, Aurora to assess the quality of the coco-fiber burned at its end-of-life, coco pallets can be sold as
and to discuss the proposed Integrated Coconut soil improver to further reduce waste.
Processing project. The DTI team briefed the
investors about the Coconut Industry of Aurora. DTI and the LGUs of Aurora are one with Coco Pallet
Afterwards, they visited the office of San Luis Mayor in its goal of converting waste to value. - Danica
Ariel De Jesus for a courtesy call to discuss the Marion P. Gorospe, DTI-Aurora

BATAAN HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT FOR GERMAN FLOOD-PROOFING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Hospital (JCPMDH) in Dinalupihan, Bataan as the
Reiffenstuel, Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia and next recipient of the German grant. Dr. Klippe
Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela “Gila” Garcia on added that the grant is part of a donation package
January 22 graced the project launch and press intended to protect two COVID referral hospitals in
conference for the flood proofing of Jose Payumo the Philippines from flooding
Memorial District Hospital located in Dinalupihan,
Bataan. The selection process for the two COVID referral
hospitals involved intensive studies on their flooding
After the successful launching of a flood-protection conditions where the delivery of basic health
project for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) services is severely hampered as the result of floods.
in Manila last December 2, 2020, the German PGH and JCPMDH both passed the strict selection
government, in cooperation with Flood Control criteria set forth by RS Engineers.
Asia RS Corporation, has identified the second
hospital that will receive a German grant to protect JCPMDH, located in Barangay San Ramon in
it from flooding. German Engineer and Philippine Dinalupihan town, is a 70-bed hospital designated
resident Dr. Andreas “Andi” Klippe, President and for COVID treatment. It has also been recently
Chief Executive Officer of Flood Control Asia RS designated as HIV-treatment facility. Engr. Enrico
Corp., identified Jose C. Payumo Memorial District
continued on page 9

2021 1st Semester

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PAMPANGA CAPITOL OPENS NEW COVID-19 ISOLATION FACILITIES

The provincial government of Pampanga municipality as he made sure that this would be
inaugurated new isolation facilities for COVID-19 restricted.
within the province as part of its proactive response
to the pandemic. He ordered the medical personnel assigned in Mexico
including Police Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, Pampanga
For the past few months, COVID-19 patients in the Police Provincial Director, to secure the safety of the
province are housed in the New Clark City (NCC). facility and to ensure the full implementation of the
The Bases Conversion Development Authority minimum health protocols.
(BCDA) has turned over the National Government
Administrative Center (NGAC) North wing and Mayor Tumang said the local government unit of
the Athlete’s Village at NCC as an Isolation and Mexico and its people are in full support of the
Quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients of the project of the governor as he assured that they are
province. willing to augment in terms of manpower.

Mexico The opening ceremony was also attended by
Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, members
The provincial government led by Governor Dennis of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 3rd District
‘Delta’ Pineda opened on March 12 the new Covid-19 Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Department
Isolation Facility in Barangay San Roque, Mexico, of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Corazon
Pampanga with a 215-bed capacity intended Flores, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
as a new quarantine area for symptomatic and (JBLMGH) Medical Chief Dr. Monserrat S. Chichioco,
asymptomatic Covid-19 patients. and representatives from DOH- Region 3 and the
provincial government of Pampanga.
The new isolation facility has three buildings funded
by the Department of Health (DOH), one evacuation Lubao
center, and converted container vans provided by
the Department of Public Works and Highways The provincial government also opened a 110-room
(DPWH) for the province of Pampanga. facility in Barangay Santa Catalina in Lubao town
to accommodate more COVID-19 patients in the
The governor has expressed his gratitude to Mexico province.
Mayor Teddy Tumang and the people of said
town for accepting the isolation facility in their Governor Pineda said that five container vans

Mexico Isolation Facility

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provided by the DPWH were converted into an ito ng teams of nurses and doctors at regular po ang
isolation facility in Lubao through the assistance of pagvisit sa mga pasyente po natin,’’ he added.
the Provincial Engineering’s Office (PEO) and the
General Services Office (GSO). Governor Pineda, who assigned Dr. Dax Tidula as the
incident commander, said “manageable pa tayo,”
“Dahil po sa (COVID-19) surge sa mga hospitals, referring to the province’s COVID-19 situation in
ito ang nakikita nating paraan upang maresolba relation to the surge of cases in the country.
ang mabilis na pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID at ang
unti-unting pagpuno ng mga nakalaang pasilidad With the addition of the Lubao facility, the province
para sa COVID-19 sa mga ospital sa lalawigan,’’ the has now a total of 995 bed capacity in different
governor said. COVID-19 isolation facilities. At least 323 are based at
NGAC, 215 in Mexico, 197 at the NCC Athlete’s Village,
He said the facility will accommodate mild and and 159 at San Fernando City Isolation Facilities.
asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in the province and
will promptly assist patients who require oxygen. Apart from these facilities, the provincial government
Each isolation room has a bed, air-condition, dextrose will also open an additional isolation facility with
and oxygen equipment, and a comfort room. a room capacity of 90 people in the City of San
Fernando. - Pampanga Provincial Information
“Kumpleto po tayo ng set up dito, lalagyan po natin Office

GOV. ABET LEADS OPENING OF BATAAN’S 2ND MOLECULAR LAB

During the blessing of the Mariveles District Hospital- (1) 16-cartridge GenExpert machine to further boost
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDH-MDL) on the testing capability of the laboratory.
April 23, Bataan Governor Abet Garcia congratulated
the MDH Team for the successful establishment In a related development, the Provincial Government
of the second RT-PCR testing laboratory in the and MDH are currently in talks with a private system
province. developer in its bid to connect barangay health
offices, rural health units, and the district hospital for
The hardworking governor also confirmed the a gatekeeping procedure to attain a Service Delivery
establishment of a second inoculation center inside Network which is also part of the implementation of
the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) to be able to reach Universal Health Care.
the target of vaccinating 5,000 Bataeños a day once
supply of vaccines becomes steadily available. Joining Governor Garcia in the said event were
Department of Health (DOH) Provincial Director
In his message, MDH Chief Dr. Hector Santos said,” Dr. Francisco Hermoso, Bataan 2nd District
Lahat po ng machines na gagamitin natin ay state- Representative Congressman Joet Garcia, Vice
of-the-art, napakabilis po, fully-automated pero wala Governor Cris Garcia, SP Committee Chair on
po tayong ginastos doon ni-singko at libre po natin Health Board Member Bong Galicia, Mariveles
syang gagamitin.” He also thanked Macare Medicals Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda, Authority of the Freeport
Inc. President Mr. Florizel De Pano, a native of Orani, Area of Bataan (AFAB) Administrator Emmanuel
for choosing to collaborate with the province in this Pineda, Provincial Health Office Head Dr. Rosanna
endeavor. Buccahan, Macare Medicals, Inc. Representative Mr.
Aristotle De Pano, and MDH-MDL specialists and
Dr. Santos also announced Mr. De Pano’s donations staff. - Maria Vinnise Marcelo, Bataan Provincial
of one (1) RT-PCR machine, one (1) 4-cartridge, and Information Office

2021 1st Semester

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QUARRY COLLECTIONS UNDER GOVERNOR DELTA SURGE TO P1 BILLION

Quarry taxes and fees on Mt. Pinatubo’s sand and exceeded the revenue generated in the last semester
gravel have reached a record-high of P1.036 billion of 2019 (July to December) at P289.7 million or higher
in the first 19 months of the administration of by P117,516. It was also way up compared to the total
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, adding more funds revenue earned from January to December (except
to Pampanga’s local income for dealing with the April) 2020 at P609.23 million or an average monthly
COVID-19 pandemic. earning of P55 million for 11 months.

The P1,036,607,994 was collected from July 2019 The provincial government has earned the highest
until February 2021, except from March 20 to May revenue on March 2021 with P82 million, an increase
17 when the strictest form of quarantine against from the previous monthly collection of P72.9
COVID-19 grounded the homegrown quarry million. The significant demand for sand from private
industry, according to records of the provincial and government projects and quarry operators
quarry monitoring unit Kalam. and the haulers’ compliance with state regulations
contributed to the boost in revenue. A report by
The Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act quarry unit Kalam also showed that more than P6
7160) distributes the sand tax at a 40-30-30 percent million worth of sand was towed daily for three days
sharing to barangays, towns or cities and province, in March.
respectively. The collection consisted of P150-sand
tax, P250-administrative fee, P30-weighing scale Provincial Administrator Atty. Charlie Chua said that
fee, sand and gravel permit, motor vehicle and the first quarter quarry revenue collection increased
heavy equipment accreditation including fines and to P1.118 billion, the total revenue earnings of the
penalties. For transparency, the number of booklets province in the last 20 months.
of quarry receipts are inventoried and recorded.
With Pampanga still reeling from the ongoing health
“The amount we collected proved that the crisis, Chua said that the provincial government
monitoring and collecting system we put in place is is making good use of the shares from the quarry
efficient. Taxing according to actual volume hauled taxes by supporting programs that address the
is right. This also showed that quarry operators COVID-19 pandemic, such as purchases of medical
and haulers are also cooperating with our policies,” and food supplies and acquisition of ambulances
Governor Pineda said. and medicines for indigent Kapampangans.

He thanked quarry associations that police their The Pineda administration set up three quarantine
ranks and the provincial treasurer’s office that facilities, established the Balik Pilipinas, Balik
collects the taxes and fees at the Capitol and not in Pampanga program for returning Kapampangans,
checkpoints. He thanked Kalam personnel and its put up mobile and fixed swabbing centers, converted
head, former Bacolor Mayor Romeo “Buddy” Dungca permanent evacuation centers as isolation areas,
for properly regulating the multi-million industry. improved transportation fleet and supported public
transport, monitored testing laboratories, enforced
Pampanga ended the first quarter of 2021 with an safety protocols, financed the medical treatment of
unprecedented quarry revenue of P289.8 million, indigent patients, passed local ordinances in support
surpassing previous quarry income generated for of IATF rules, made advance purchase of vaccines
the same period. and facilitated preparations for the vaccination of
medical and security front liners, among others.
Collection revenue for the first quarter of the year

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Meanwhile, the Porac Sand and Gravel Quarry During the activity, Provincial Government
Operators Association Inc. donated two ambulances Environment and Natural Resources Office
to the provincial government on March 1 worth P3 (PG-ENRO) Head Engr. Art Punsalan presented
million each. The ambulances were given to support various quarrying strategies for expanding the
the provincial healthcare program, according to quarry industry, providing sustainable revenue
Antonio Ayson, the group’s president. for the province through quarry collections and
environmental protection.
The boost in the province’s local income also
benefited existing programs and projects for health, One of the effective strategies was the full
education, livelihood, agriculture, environment and implementation of Tax Ordinance No. 5, Series of
infrastructure. 2011, which amended Section 127 of Article 8 under
the Tax Ordinance No. 4, allowing the collection of
The provincial government was also lauded for P30 from sand and gravel haulers per truck carrying
the success of its quarry program during a recent a maximum allowable load of 13.5 axles.
benchmarking activity of some representatives from
the Albay provincial government. Albay Board Member Neil Montallana said the
Provincial Board is currently reviewing the tax
Board Member Ferdinand Labung said that officials ordinance of Pampanga as it hopes to replicate this
of the provincial government shared its best in their province.
practices in quarrying, which contributed to millions
of revenues for the province. “One thing doon is ‘yung weighing scale and ‘yung
other fees na pwede namin i-impose, at the same
“Ang Albay kasi ay mayroon din syang malaking time maibalik sa kalikasan anuman ang nakuha
quarry, at nagpapasalamat naman tayo at masaya natin sa kalikasan,’’ Montallana said.
naman tayo dahil itong province natin ang naisip nila,
so, malaking bagay sa kanila kung paano natin The delegation from Albay thanked the provincial
binalangkas yung ordinansa sa quarry operations, government for their warm welcome amid the on-
quarry collections and kung paano magkakaroon going pandemic and the learnings they gained from
ng local revenues ang ating province,” Labung said. the benchmarking activity. - Pampanga Provincial
Information Office

BATAAN HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT FOR GERMAN FLOOD-PROOFING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

from page 5

Yuzon, Provincial Engineer of Bataan, disclosed that as it will soon be free from perennial flooding.
during heavy rainfall, the hospital’s surrounding
area is submerged to an average of 1.5 meters of The Government of the Federal Republic of
floodwaters. While inside the buildings, 0.5 meters Germany will donate about 80% of the financial
of water makes it virtually impossible for doctors and grant while the remaining 20% will be shouldered
hospital staff to effectively care for their patients, by Flood Control Asia RS Corp., a Filipino-German
especially those requiring critical treatment. flood protection company based in Clark Freeport
Zone in Pampanga. It is dedicated to the control of
Governor Garcia expressed his gratitude to the flooding for vital government installations, factories,
German Government for the grant, saying that this hospitals, business establishments, and residences.
will indeed make JCPMDH doubly efficient and - Mhike Cigaral, Bataan Provincial Information
responsive to the health care needs of the Bataeños Office

2021 1st Semester

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“ When one plants a
seed, one envisions
a tree—hope is the
foundation of such
an undertaking. As
Tarlaqueños, we
plant hope so we
can harvest a better
reality of our future.

WORKING TOWARDS REALITY from page 1

The Province of Tarlac’s Actions for Post-Pandemic Life

and this too is a gift. laboratories for testing because the Tarlac’s own
laboratory is already licensed by the Department of
Governor Susan Yap of Tarlac province once said Health (DOH) and PhilHealth.
that “it is not enough to be resilient in the face of
this pandemic; we must envision a life after it. And to In addition, the new TPH Dialysis and Kidney Center
work towards that reality, we must be hopeful that was fully opened in conjunction with the blessing of
such a reality can exist.” the DOH Provincial Office. This is expected to further
improve the healthcare service for the people of
This is the key driving force of the Provincial Tarlac. The opening of Tarlac’s first-ever dialysis
Government of Tarlac to establish action plans, and kidney center signals a wider range of medical
empower communities, and emphasize genuine services which can be offered to citizens.
service to its people. Through the collective wisdom
and efforts of its constituents, it is no wonder that In her message, Governor Yap has envisioned that
the province is currently in transit to the envisioned the facilities will be able to provide great assistance
reality – a sustainable and developing Tarlac. not only for citizens, but also to medical workers
because they now have access to perform dialysis
Supporting the health sector and the people treatment and other kidney diseases.

As one of the major actions against COVID-19, the Yielding the benefits of our collective actions
construction of a molecular pathology laboratory
has become a priority of the Provincial Government With the continuing development of infrastructure
of Tarlac. At present, it was able to provide great projects, the Provincial Government of Tarlac eyes to
assistance for the medical workers of the province. intensify the initiatives of the pillars of development
laid by Governor Yap. With this, the province’s new
The Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH) Molecular Capitol Center was recently inaugurated to further
Pathology Laboratory is a facility built for faster and expand the opportunity for Tarlaqueños.
more accessible methods of identifying infectious
diseases such as COVID-19. As a result, citizens This building is intended to provide a stable and
no longer need to go to more distant molecular reliable return of income and capital growth for the

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province. It can also create many job opportunities support to the Tarlac provincial government during

for the community. times when calamities and disasters hit the province.

According to Governor Yap, many individuals and ***
groups have expressed their interest in renting On top of other projects and programs for the
facilities in the building. The ground floor is sectors of education, workers, and environment, the
designated for commerce while the other floors are Provincial Government of Tarlac works to advance
for private offices and government offices. “At least the healthcare system as well as the infrastructure
we have revenue and the payment [of the loan] will projects that will surely benefit the people.
come from establishments [that] will rent. It will be
self-sustaining,” she added. Truly, it is not enough to be resilient during these
trying times, but these times define mankind.
The Capitol Center building with its basement During these times, as a community, we dream big
parking, measures 1,500 square meters. This and we hold on to hope which allows us to see that
was made possible due to the P270 million loan world for what it can be.
agreement between the provincial government and
the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on When one plants a seed, one envisions a tree—
July 2018. hope is the foundation of such an undertaking. As
Tarlaqueños, we plant hope so we can harvest a
Meanwhile, the new and modern evacuation center better reality of our future. Through our collective
of the province of Tarlac has been fully inaugurated. wisdom and efforts, it is no wonder that the province
It is expected to help people in times of disaster is currently in transit to the envisioned reality – a
and calamity. It can be recalled that last year, even sustainable and developing Tarlac.
amid the pandemic, it was inevitable to suffer from
calamities. The entire journey starts with hope. It will not end,
but will continue to work towards a dreamed reality.
In response, such a modern evacuation center has -Isaih Kyle C. Umipig, Provincial Government of
been immediately put up. Governor Yap honored all Tarlac
the volunteers and volunteer groups who extended

The Capitol Center

2021 1st Semester

12

BOI APPROVES P356 MILLION BIKE PROJECT IN BULACAN from page 1

plant in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. TBSTC is expected to Corporation, which imports TRINX bicycles and is
export at least 75 percent of its production to the the authorized distributor in the country. Founded
United States and Europe with the rest targeted in 2013, Onetrinity has a sales estimate of 35,000
towards the booming domestic market. units annually, making TRINX the best-known
bicycle brand in the Philippines.
TBSTC is 60 percent Filipino-owned and 40 percent
Chinese-owned, representing the Guangzhou, The 2019 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority
China-based Trinity Group which owns the Chinese (PSA) showed that the Philippines is a net exporter
TRINX brand, a top-ranking brand in China’s national of bicycles with a surplus of US$10.2 million. The
brand market with more than 1,000 terminal country exported US$39.1 million worth of bicycles
sales outlets covering more than 30 provinces, while importing US$28.9 million in the same year
cities, and autonomous regions. Trinity Group is with the United Kingdom and Ireland as top export
a comprehensive enterprise group engaged in markets.
the development, production, and distribution of
complete bicycles and bicycle components. With “This is timely and relevant, as it will not only supply
headquarters in Huadu District, Guangzhou, it has the local demand for bicycles and electric bikes but
developed a sophisticated product line featuring also strengthen our position as a net exporter of
mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bikes, e-bikes, bicycles with strong demand from overseas markets,
and key bicycle components. including those in which we enjoy zero-duties
under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
In the Philippines, TBSTC is focused on brand scheme,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing
building and promotion to expand sales. At the Head Ceferino Rodolfo said.
moment, TBSTC has a sister company, Onetrinity
According to Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) Bulacan Provincial Director Edna Dizon,
the project is seen as an engine to create further
economic employment opportunities in the
countryside, particularly for Bulacan. The project is
timely also to position Region 3 as an exporter of
bicycles. Following the law of supply and demand,
the project is expected to encourage more people to
use bicycles as alternative mode of transportation as
they are safe, convenient and environment-friendly.

The project is expected to keep the TRINX quality
standard by applying the same manufacturing
technology in China to sustain the image of the
TRINX brand.

The TBSTC facility in Bulacan is targeted to begin
operating commercially in September 2021 with a
production capacity of up to 200,000 units annually.
The project will initially employ 65 personnel and 100
by the fifth year. - Mary Grace Reyes, DTI-Bulacan

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13

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FLOCK BULACAN

Several major infrastructure projects are underway
in the province of Bulacan. These are expected to
usher in massive investment and job opportunities
for the province. According to Governor Daniel
Fernando, an efficient transportation system is proof
of a progressive government.

New Manila International Airport Tutuban- Malolos Railway Project
The New Manila International Airport, also known as The Tutuban-Malolos phase of the North-South
the Bulacan International Airport, is currently under Commuter Railway of the Philippine National Railway
construction on a 2,500-hectare coastal property (PNR) is a 37.6-kilometer mass railway transportation
in Bulakan, Bulacan as part of an envisioned with a total of 10 stations in Tutuban, Solis, Caloocan,
12,000-hectare township that features a residential Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas,
zone, government center, seaport and an industrial Guiguinto and Malolos. It will be connected with
zone. It will have four runways, eight taxiways and the PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark Project) and
three terminals. When fully built, it will have a the PNR South Commuter (Manila-Calamba). Travel
capacity of 100 million passengers per year. time to and from Metro Manila is expected to be
reduced to 35 minutes from the current one hour
Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) and 30 minutes. - Lota Yasa, DTI-Bulacan
The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) is a 22.8 km
mass rail transit with 14 stations from San Jose del
Monte, Bulacan to North Triangle Common Station
in North Avenue, Quezon City. It is expected to cut
travel time from two to three hours to 35 minutes for
the expected 300,000 to 850,000 passengers daily.

PETRON COMMITS P14.6 BILLION INVESTMENTS IN BATAAN from page 1

two (2) units of steam generator plants with a world, Petron’s plan for the refinery to undergo an
project value of P11.6 billion. The project will generate economic plant shutdown early this year will still
significant savings on the refinery’s power cost. proceed. “This move is necessary to maintain the
viability of the refining segment of our business by
The Petron management is confident that the minimizing losses from operating at a time when
PBR registration with AFAB will address some of margins are expected to remain low,” Petron stated.
the major concerns confronting their refining
operation. The facility, located in Limay town, The registration of PBR Complex as a FAB expansion
would help make Petron’s refining business more area was made through the endorsement of the
competitive by improving its financial viability in the Local Government Unit of Limay to help ensure
long run. continued economic development in their
municipality and for the whole province of Bataan.
Considering that the refining business remains - Maria Vinnise Marcelo and Mhike Cigaral, Bataan
challenging both in the Philippines and around the Provincial Information Office

2021 1st Semester

14

ULTIMATE BUILDERS’ OUTLET SOON TO RISE IN PAMPANGA

Developed by Fortunetown Properties Corporation
and strategically situated on a 350,000 square meters
area in Barangay Panipuan, Mexico, Pampanga,
Global Construct City (GCC) is the first large scale
and complete building materials wholesale and
retail market in Southeast Asia.

This one-stop shopping complex will showcase over and construction materials to support the “Build
400 quality brands from both local and international Build Build” (BBB) program of the government.
hardware suppliers and companies. It will serve as a Expected to generate around 500 to 1000 jobs, GCC
centralized marketplace for building essentials and is set to be opened to the public within the year.
other building materials.

Amidst the economic turmoil brought about by the GCC’s supporting facilities also include a mall,
COVID-19 pandemic since last year, infrastructure business hotels, Global Convention Center, Global
development is one of the key drivers of the economic Construct City Network Platform Access to Lazada,
recovery of the country. GCC is poised to be one of food street and logistic park. - Rhia Laxa, DTI-
the major sources of quality and affordable building Pampanga

PAMPANGA HONORS OFWS THRU CONSTRUCTION OF HOSPITAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered our Provincial Government of Pampanga and will have a
modern-day heroes, not only for their love for their 220-bed capacity and a diagnostic center.
families but more importantly for their significant
contributions to the country's economy through The Bloomberry Cultural Foundations Inc., an entity
their remittances. It is but most fitting that such a established by Solaire Resort and Casino donated
project is being undertaken by the government in P500 million for its construction while the Philippine
partnership with various organizations as a sign of Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
gratitude to our OFWs. will donate P300 million for the purchase of state-of-
the-art equipment for the facility.
The Pampanga’s OFW Hospital and Diagnostic
Center will be the first of its kind in the country The project was put to a halt for some time due to
to service our modern-day heroes and their quarantine measures but construction is still on
dependents. The hospital will provide OFWs and track and is set to be completed by the end of 2021.
their families with free healthcare whenever they -Rhia Laxa, DTI-Pampanga
come home.

Located in the City of San Fernando, the project
was designed by Archion Architects, the leading
architectural firm for medical facilities, and
constructed by Thaison Builder & Developer Inc., one
of the premier hospital contractors in the country.
The project sits on a 2-hectare lot donated by the

INVEST DIGEST

15

SUBIC FREEPORT EXPRESSWAY EXPANSION PROJECT NOW OPEN

The 8.2-kilometer expansion project for the Subic interchange that will benefit three industrial parks
Freeport Expressway (SFEX) designed to provide at the Tipo area, pointing out that these industrial
better, faster and safer access to the Subic Bay projects signal the continued trust of foreign
Freeport Zone formally opened on February 19 with investors in the Philippines under the Duterte
the presence of high-ranking government officials. administration.

The project, which began on July 2019, was The SFEX capacity expansion project entailed the
inaugurated by Executive Secretary Salvador construction of two additional expressway lanes,
Medialdea, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut Road, and
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Presidential a new two-lane tunnel.
Spokesperson Harry Roque, Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator NLEX Corporation President Bautista said this
Wilma Eisma, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation would increase road capacity from one lane in each
(MPIC) President Jose Ma. Lim, Metro Pacific Tollways direction to two lanes in each direction, and thus,
Corporation (MPTC) President Rodrigo Franco, and accelerate business activities and facilitate the flow
NLEX Corp President J. Luigi Bautista. of goods and services in and out of Subic.

Bataan 2nd District Representative Joet Garcia, “One of the key drivers of economic growth is a
Hermosa Bataan Mayor Jopet Inton, and MPTC network of high-quality roads. The NLEX Corporation
Spokesperson Romulo Quimbo Jr. were also present through NLEX, SCTEX, and the soon-to-be expanded
in the occasion. SFEX not only intends to accelerate development,
but also hopes to encourage travel convenience and
The expressway project, which was touted to further road safety,” Bautista added.
accelerate economic growth in the Subic Bay
Freeport and surrounding communities, was built at Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Roque
a cost of P1.6 billion. described the SFEX expansion as one of the key
projects under President Duterte’s Build-Build-
Chairman Eisma, who welcomed guests in the Build program and a testament that, under the
inauguration rites, acknowledged the heavy support Duterte Administration, the government is working
of the national government in Subic’s development non-stop to provide essential services to the people.
as a premier investment and tourism center and said
that the project is another testament to President Thanking the MPTC for initiating the project, Roque
Duterte’s “strong support and love for the Subic Bay said the SFEX expansion has significantly hastened
Freeport Zone.” travel from Manila to the Subic Freeport and provided
motorists an alternative and faster route in and out
Eisma thanked Executive Secretary Medialdea and of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
the other top officials in the Duterte Cabinet for
further pushing development in the area. The SFEX, which is also known as the Subic-Tipo
Expressway or NLEX Segment 7, connects the Subic
She also requested support for a proposed Bay Freeport to the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway (SCTEx), which in turn links with the
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
-Mhike Cigaral, Bataan Provincial Information
Office

2021 1st Semester

16

CLGCFI CRAFTS 2021 WORK PLAN AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Central Luzon she suggested taking advantage of it by updating
Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI) crafted its the business and investment-related data of the
work plan for 2021 during its First Quarter Meeting provinces. Acknowledging the validity of Director
held on March 18 via Zoom. Dominguez’ recommendation, Department of Trade
and Industry- Region 3 (DTI-3) Regional Director
CLGCFI President and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap Leonila Baluyut tasked the IPOs to update and
led the regional network of Investment Promotion complete their respective provincial data which
Officers (CLIPOs) in formulating the foundation’s includes the City/Municipal Cost of Doing Business
work plan for the year. She challenged everyone (CODB), Provincial Investment Promotion Plans
to do their part to make sure that Central Luzon, which were last updated in 2017, Business Offers,
especially the MSMEs, will be able to bounce back Database for Available Investment Locations, and
from the effects of the pandemic. Provincial Profiles.

Also present during the meeting was Director Maria Aside from this, the CLGCFI will conduct regular
Rosario Dominguez of the Domestic Investments virtual meetings to continue its trade and investment
Promotion Service of the Board of Investments promotion activities and series of webinars to
(BOI). While the pandemic has limited the mobility capacitate the IPOs, their municipal counterparts
of people and the physical conduct of activities, and the general public. - Rona O. Dizon, CLGCFI

CLGCFI HOLDS WEBINAR ON UNDERSTANDING THE CREATE ACT

On May 20, the Central Luzon The CLGCFI tapped Atty.
Growth Corridor Foundation Elyjean DC Portoza, Director
Inc. (CLGCFI), headed by Tarlac of the Legal and Compliance
Governor Susan Yap, organized Service (LCS) of the Board
and conducted the first of its of Investments (BOI), as the
series of webinars for 2021, the resource speaker for the
Webinar on Understanding webinar. Director Portoza
the CREATE Act. discussed the salient features
of the law, which include,
The webinar session aimed among others, the reduction
of the corporate income tax
to capacitate the regional rate from 30% to 25%, and to
20% for MSMEs.
network of Central Luzon
Prior to the reduction, the Philippines has the highest
Investment Promotion corporate income tax rate in the whole ASEAN
region. This makes the CREATE Act very timely as
Officers (CL-IPOs), Business it reduces the financial burden on companies while
increasing the country’s investment appeal and
Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Local competitiveness vis-à-vis its ASEAN counterparts.

Economic and Investment Promotions Officers The webinar was attended by 100 participants via
Zoom. - Rona O. Dizon, CLGCFI
(LEIPOs), Negosyo Center Business Counsellors,

and other front liners in the region with updated

information on recent developments such as the

recent approval and passing into law of Republic

Act 11534, also known as the Corporate Recovery and

Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

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17

TARLAC EXTENDS LOAN TO NMSMES FOR BUSINESS RECOVERY

Through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise The program is among the strategies
Development Office (PCEDO), the Provincial spearheaded by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, through
Government of Tarlac rolled out the Covid-19 the PCEDO and highly supported by the whole
Business Recovery Loan for Nano, Micro, Small, Sangguniang Panlalawigan to address the needs
Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs) program. of the MSMEs. “Serbisyong Mayap”, translated as
“Good Service”, has always been the commitment
The structure of the loan program is according to that propels the Provincial Government of Tarlac.
the classification of the entrepreneur. The higher the “Dito mo mararamdaman ang kalinga ng isang
capitalization of the NMSME, the bigger will be the ina sa pamamagitan ng mga programa ng Governor
amount that they will be able to borrow. The loan naming si Susan Yap,” exclaimed one of the MSMEs
program was classified into three (3) categories, of Tarlac affected during the lockdown.
namely, Nano Enterprises which can avail loan up
to P10,000; Micro Enterprises with a maximum One hundred (100) loan applications from the
loan amount of P50,000; and the Small & Medium food and non-food manufacturing businesses were
Enterprises that can borrow up to P75,000. The loan approved and released in 2020 with a total loan
is payable in one (1) year with an annual interest amounting to P2,660,000. With that success, the
rate of five (5) percent. The borrower has the Provincial Government saw the need to continue
option whether to pay the loan through monthly the program this 2021 to further the assistance given
amortizations, which start on the 7th month or to the NMSMEs of the province. - Tarlac Provincial
through a lump sum at the end of one-year term. Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office

18 BULACAN MSES COMPLETE I AM MSE PROGRAM

The first ever Integrated Applied Management modules on organization, production, financing,
Assistance for Micro and Small Entrepreneurs (I marketing, business plan preparation and business
AM MSE) Development Assistance Program held its critiquing. The MSE graduates also received financial
first commencement program last June 25, 2021. loan assistance, and subsidized label design and
Out of the thirty-seven (37) enrollees who joined printing services from the Provincial Government.
the program when it started on February 2020, Completion of the program also entitles the MSEs to
eighteen (18) MSEs graduated and were awarded subsidized participation fees in PCEDO’s sponsored
with Certificates of Participation and Completion for trade fairs and referrals to its partner agencies for
their hard work and determination in finishing the the other trade fairs and exhibits. They were also
program amidst the pandemic. provided with technical assistance in the creation of
associations and its registration with the Securities
The I AM MSE Program was developed by the Bulacan and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of
Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Labor and Employment (DOLE) or Cooperative
Office (PCEDO) – Enterprise Development Division Development Authority (CDA) which will help them
to equip the province’s entrepreneurs with the qualify to avail of soft loans, grants and aids available
proper tools, mindset, and vision that is needed to to such groups like the SSF Projects, DOST set-up,
overcome any adversity that they may encounter. SB Corp SME assistance, among others. - Mary
Angeline N. Sebastian, PCEDO-Bulacan
Conducted via Zoom, the series of trainings included

2021 1st Semester

18

BATAAN: FIRST CARBON
NEUTRAL PROVINCE

IN THE MAKING

The Provincial Government of PSC CHAIRMAN RAMIREZ:
Bataan (PGB), Global Green Growth “BATAAN WILL BE A SPORTS CITY”
Institute (GGGI) and Athena Energy
Holdings, last February 23, signed “Ang lugar na ito ay magiging sports city at magbabago po
a Memorandum of Understanding ang kulay ng probinsya. Lahat ng mga sikat na makikitang
(MOU) for the development of a Pilipino na papuntang international, SEA Games, Olympics,
50-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) dito na po magtraining. Magbabago po ang mukha ng Bataan,”
plant in Mariveles. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez
emphasized during the signing of the deed of donation and
GGGI, a treaty-based international turnover to the PSC of the 250,000 square meters of land in
organization, and PGB signed the Bagac, Bataan for the establishment of the Philippine Sports
MOU on July 17, 2019 on Green Growth Training Center held at the Oriental Hotel on May 18.
Cooperation, in support of PGB’s
‘Carbon Neutral Bataan’ goal. Athena Ramirez also stated that Bataan is a good place to retire and
Energy Holdings, a renewable energy commended leaders for their eagerness in projects envisioned
investment firm, has expressed interest for the province. “Masisipag, mababait at saka palaban ang
in investing in the project as they have mga Garcia sa mga bagay na gusto nilang maimplement,” PSC
the expertise in project development, Chairman Ramirez said when asked why Bataan was chosen
financing, and funding of successfully as the location for the national training center. Said center has
deliver projects through Public-Private an initial P3.5 billion estimated funds which will house indoor
Partnership (PPP). courts for basketball, badminton, tennis, and volleyball; baseball
grounds, gymnastics hall, Olympic pool, dormitory, and other
The three parties jointly agreed on sports-related facilities.
the development of a 50-MW solar
PV plant to be co-developed and co-
invested by Athena and PGB. “This will
be an important milestone to realize
our vision of a carbon-neutral Bataan,”
Garcia said. - Clarissa Hacinas, Bataan
Provincial Information Office

“Ito pong pagtatayo ng Philippine Sports Training Center ay
napakaimportante sa ating lalawigan. Not only will it help the
future athletes of our country, and our province, ito rin po ay
makatutulong sa ating target na longer life expectancy at
healthy lifestyle ng ating mga kababayan,” Governor Abet
Garcia said as he thanked PSC for giving an assurance for this
project. - Maria Vinnise Marcelo, Bataan Provincial Information
Office

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19

BATAAN GEARS UP FOR TOURISM REOPENING

A press conference on the Reopening of Tourism in also provides for the shared responsibilities of the
the Province of Bataan was held on January 28 at national and local government units with regard to
Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan with tourism development. Republic Act (RA) No. 9593,
the attendance of Department of Tourism (DOT) an act declaring a national policy for tourism as an
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Bataan engine of investment, employment, growth and
Governor Albert Garcia. development, is the basis of the said Ordinance.

Mt. Samat Development Projects Board Member del Rosario, in his resolution, said
that it is high time that the DOT, in coordination with
During the press conference, DOT Secretary Puyat the different attached agencies, LGUs and private
disclosed that prior to the pandemic, President sectors, continuously update existing national
Rodrigo Roa Duterte had already instructed the DOT development plans in view of evolving needs and
to prioritize Mt. Samat development projects. She capabilities of LGUs and the domestic tourism for
assured Governor Garcia, who attended the event global tourism market.
via Zoom, that the agency will prioritize said project
once funds are available. Board Member del Rosario also said that the
Tourism Code of Bataan is in compliance with the
Massive development projects await Mt. Samat or the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991
Shrine of Valor, known for its historical significance. on the devolution of functions wherein the DOT
It is a memorial cross dedicated to commemorate transferred its licensing and regulatory powers over
the heroes of the Second World War. Aside from the the operations and maintenance of tourism and
73-hectare shrine site, there will also be a locator tourism-related establishments (resorts, hotels,
site in a 144-hectare land in Pilar. Renovation for tourist inns, and apartelles) and travel agencies to
the underground museum, restoration of The the LGUs.
Colonnade and the establishment of the Visitor’s
Complex with three (3) buildings namely the Tourism
Assistance Center (TAC), the Visitors Center, and the
Multi-purpose Building highlight the developments
in the shrine site.

Likewise, a hotel for MICE (meetings, incentives, The province was already at the height of becoming
conferences, and exhibitions) tourism, recreational a world-class tourist destination but was devastated
parks, forest reserve zones, transportation hub and and plagued with problems when the COVID-19
cable cars are also some of the planned projects in pandemic hit the country. However, with the recent
the locator site. visit of Secretary Puyat for the reopening of tourism
in the province, the tourism activity in Bataan is
Tourism Code of Bataan set to open and further strengthen the province’s
appeal as a tourism destination and pave the way
In a complementary move, the Sangguniang for an enhanced capability-building among LGUs
Panlalawigan ng Bataan, in their recent session, in the management of local tourism projects and
unanimously approved the Provincial Ordinance No. initiatives, ensuring accessible and affordable
18, Series of 2020, otherwise known as the Tourism destinations throughout the province, and a resilient
Code of the Province of Bataan. The ordinance, tourism industry. - Maria Vinnise Marcelo and Zeny
sponsored by Board Member Romano del Rosario, Soriano, Bataan Provincial Information Office

2021 1st Semester

20

Shown from left to right (clockwise) are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Leonila Baluyut; Pilipinas Shell Non-Fuel Retail
Manager RolynTomarong; DTI Regional and One Town One Product (OTOP) National Program Head Asec. Demphna Du-Naga; Pilipinas Shell VP and
General Manager for Mobility Randy del Valle; Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero; and Pilipinas Shell District Manager for North Luzon Jon
Cuadra.

DTI PARTNERS WITH PILIPINAS SHELL

ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST MOBILITY STATION IN NORTH LUZON from page 22

According to Pilipinas Shell Vice President and increasing income opportunities.
General Manager for Mobility Randy del Valle, it is
best to promote local products directly sourced This is in line with the efforts of DTI to promote
from the community. He expressed confidence locally made products from across the Philippine
that buying local products will help create more islands by showcasing the creativity, capability, and
employment opportunities as markets will open to ingenuity of Filipino MSMEs through the Go Lokal
the local micro and small enterprises. Mr. Del Valle and One Town One Product (OTOP) programs.
cited the experience of Shell Select Stations where To date, the Shell Marilao Mobility Station has 100
they offer a wide range of snacks, refreshments, partner suppliers that are OTOPreneurs.
groceries, and hot meals frequently bought by
customers. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez described the national
relevance of the Shell Marilao Mobility Station, saying,
“We do not exist within the confines of this site alone, “We are excited with this new program. This is a very
but exist as part of a wider community. This is an meaningful project dahil nagbibigay ng opportunity
exciting opportunity to use the Shell Select platform sa ating mga MSMEs and OTOPreneurs. Mabibigyan
to serve more people and provide a livelihood to the sila ng exposure and this is really in line with DTI’s
community. Some of the non-food products from objective of 7Ms na 360-degree na pagtulong ng
Bulacan that we promote are native fans and bags, DTI sa mga MSMEs. Ito po ‘yung isa sa 7Ms, ‘yung
home furnishings, handicrafts, and jewelry,” Pilipinas Market, again reminding ‘yung ibang part ng 7Ms
Shell Non-Fuel Retail Manager Rolyn Tomarong said. like Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine,
mga Models of negosyo, tapos kapag may produkto
The launching also highlighted the commitment of na, kailangan itong ilabas sa Market. Again, we are
Pilipinas Shell in supporting local micro, small, and fortunate mayroon tayong ganitong partnership that
medium enterprises (MSMEs) all over the country will really be a big help for our MSMEs na talagang
by partnering with DTI in providing entrepreneurs tinamaan ngayong pandemya. The importance of
venues to sell and promote products through the collaboration, this is really what we need in times of
vast networks of Shell Select branches nationwide, crisis.”
thereby broadening their market reach and

INVEST DIGEST

21

“The year 2020 has been very challenging to our their feet and help local governments rebuild,” DTI
MSMEs. The community quarantine since March Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said.
2020 in response to the pandemic has forced many
businesses to close or operate at a lesser capacity. As the pioneer in North Luzon, the mobility station
Businesses are slowly opening up now from 20% in in Marilao, Bulacan is expected to generate more
June 2020 to 50% in January to February 2021. Our positive impact and gains to boost local economic
MSMEs need financing assistance with marketing opportunities in the area by driving foot traffic,
assistance coming in second. What we are doing supporting local businesses, and providing
now is a good service to our MSMEs because many of sustainable livelihood to the community, while
them had their cash flows affected by the pandemic. integrating environmentally sound innovations
We are indeed thankful for this partnership with within its infrastructure. - Mary Grace Reyes, DTI-
Shell as this will help entrepreneurs get back on Bulacan

RETAIL STORES EXPAND IN NUEVA ECIJA

The province of Nueva Ecija has recently seen the Operate from the Food and Drug Administration
expansion of retail stores in several of its towns. Food (FDA) in 1996, now has 22 stores all over the province.
retail in the province continues to pull in investments It has three branches in Cabanatuan City including
and generate employment, with the opening of the main branch, two each in Sta. Rosa, Sto.
several branches of Alfamart and Susan’s Fresh Meat Domingo, Talavera and Zaragoza, and one each in
Shop. Aliaga, Bongabon, Cabiao, Guimba, Llanera, Palayan,
Peñaranda, Rizal, San Isidro, San Leonardo and
Alfamart Science City of Muñoz.
Alfamart Stores now has 48 branches all over the
province of Nueva Ecija. It has one branch each in The company carries the trade name Susan’s Fresh
Llanera, San Isidro and Sto. Domingo; two each in Meat Shop, named after the owner and manager
Aliaga, General Natividad, Peñaranda and Sta. Rosa; Susan Hernandez. Each of the branches has an
three each in Jaen, San Jose City, San Leonardo and initial investment cost of P300,000. The company
Zaragoza; four each in Cabiao and General Tinio; five now employs about 50 individuals province-wide.
in Gapan City; and six each in Cabanatuan City and Its market has since expanded by partnering with
Talavera. major supermarkets like Walter Mart in Pampanga,
Tarlac and Bulacan, RCS in Tarlac and six more
A fast-growing chain of convenience stores, Alfamart supermarkets in the Manila area like Robinsons,
started operations in December 1989 as a trading Walter Mart and SM.
and distribution company in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With its growing success in Indonesia, Alfamart NCMP offers fresh and processed meat and is
ventured to the Philippines where it partnered famous for its Cabanatuan longganisa—recado,
with SM Investments Corporation. Its first branch batutay, hamonado and skinless.
in the country is located in Trece Martirez, Cavite.
It expanded all over the country since then. On The NCMP has also joined several trade fairs
November 11, 2020, it opened its 1000th store in organized by the Department of Trade and Industry
General Trias, Cavite. (DTI) and has attended seminars and workshops on
marketing, financial and management aspects of
Nueva Cabanatuan Meat Products operations, and product development like packaging
The Nueva Cabanatuan Meat Products (NCMP), the and labeling. - Honeylen Marie P. Fernando, DTI-
first company in Nueva Ecija to obtain a License-To- Nueva Ecija

2021 1st Semester

22

inCLGvCFeI st digest
2021 1st Semester
The official newsletter of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Raquel R. Malig

Editor-in-Chief

Rona O. Dizon

Managing Editor

Rya Bianca G. Artates

Content Editor

Barry J. Pangilinan

Layout

Pilipinas Shell Vice President and General Manager for Mobility Randy del Valle with DTI- Bulacan Contributors
OIC Division Chief Maria Cristina Valenzuela inside the Shell Select store of the first Shell Mobility
Station in North Luzon. Mhike Cigaral
Clarissa Hacinas
DTI PARTNERS WITH PILIPINAS SHELL ON THE LAUNCHING Maria Vinnise Marcelo
OF THE FIRST MOBILITY STATION IN NORTH LUZON
Zeny Soriano,
The Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Pilipinas Shell), a leading Bataan Provincial Information Office
energy company known for advocating sustainability in business,
launched its first mobility station in North Luzon located in Marilao, Mary Angeline N. Sebastian, PCEDO-
Bulacan. Bulacan

The official launch of Shell Marilao Mobility Station was done via Pampanga Provincial Information Office
hybrid event and live stream on Shell Bulacan’s Facebook page via
Zoom on May 21. Isaih Kyle C. Umipig, Provincial Government of Tarlac

The Shell Marilao Mobility Station is a one-stop hub for car servicing Tarlac Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise
and maintenance care. The station is fully equipped with clean Development Office
restrooms, automated teller machines (ATMs), and various food
establishments which specialize in a variety of delectable and Kevin Nacabuan - PTIPO-Zambales
pocket-friendly food options for the convenience of their customers
and the public in general. Danica Marion P. Gorospe, DTI-Aurora

Shell has transformed the typical gas stations into leisure and Mary Grace Reyes, DTI-Bulacan

lifestyle destinations catering not only to motorists but also tapping Lota Yasa, DTI-Bulacan

larger market segments with varying interests and needs like Honeylen Marie Fernando, DTI-Nueva Ecija

tourists and business travelers and their demands for food and Rhia Laxa, DTI-Pampanga

other beverages. The station also offers locally-made products Rona O. Dizon, CLGCFI

from Bulacan, complementing the promotion of Bulacan as a ADVISORY BOARD

favorable tourist destination given its nearness to Manila. Products Hon. Susan A. Yap

like turmeric tea, chicharon, kornik, pastillas, mushroom chips, Governor, Tarlac
CLGCFI President
condiments, and processed meat which the province is known for,
Hon. Gerardo A. Noveras
are among those that can be seen available in the station where
Governor, Aurora
travelers can easily buy.
Hon. Albert Raymond S. Garcia

Governor, Bataan

Hon. Daniel R. Fernando

Governor, Bulacan

Hon. Aurelio M. Umali

Governor, Nueva Ecija

Hon. Dennis G. Pineda

Governor, Pampanga

Hon. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.

Govenor, Zambales

Dir. Leonila T. Baluyut

Regional Director, DTI-3

SECRETARIAT
Industry Development Division
Department of Trade & Industry - Regional Office 3

Malikhain cor. Maagap Streets,
Diosdado Macapagal Government Center,
Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga

2000 Philippines
Tel: (+6345) 4555361 | Fax: (+6345) 6259607

Credit goes to the owners of the photos used in this newsletter

Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI) is
composed of the seven governors of Central Luzon,
DTI Undersecretary for Industry and Investments
and DTI-3 Regional Director.

continued on page 20

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