Gov. Dodo promotes “Rich Batangas” in Investment Forum

The 1^st Batangas Investment Forum held at the Provincial Auditorium, Batangas Capitol in Batangas City last September 15, 2016 became the perfect venue for Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas’ slogan, “Rich Batangas.”

Around 300 businessmen and women from various industry sectors participated in the meeting, made possible by the partnership between the Provincial Government of Batangas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Batangas and Batangas Forum.

Gov. Mandanas highlighted that Batangas Province is rich, among others, in natural resources, culture and tradition;   set in a strategic location;  and, gifted with talented and industrious people.  Within this setting, investors have boundless potential to thrive and do well.  Correspondingly, Batangas Province will benefit from the influx of investment as tourism will grow and employment will rise.  As a result, at the end of the day, the visionary governor emphasized: “Everybody can be rich in Batangas.”

Potential investment opportunities were presented to the forum participants.  Tourism is on the upswing with good road networks now connecting the province’s numerous beach and diving destinations, among others, to Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.  The energy sector is also a top industry in the province, as Batangas is the “most powerful province” in the Philippines, supplying 60% of the electric requirement of Metro Manila or around 40 million individuals.

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is likewise booming in Batangas, with Lipa City now home to a number of call centers, which are also looking at other possible sites in Batangas City and other parts of the province.  The steady increase in successful cooperatives across the province has also contributed to more employment opportunities and better lives for a lot of Batangueños.

Guest speakers and resource persons for the forum were Dr. Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific; Christopher Lawrence Arnuco, President of Zamboanga City Economic Zone Authority;  and Atty. Romeo Roxas, Chief Executive Officer of Green Square Property Corporation.

Gov. Mandanas, who is a key advocate for federalism to spur economic growth around the country, also urged for the formation of a Batangas Provincial Investment Council that would protect and safeguard the interests of the investors in a fair and non-discriminatory field.

Gov. Mandanas, with key provincial government officials present, including Vice Gov. Nas Ona, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the heads of all departments of the capitol, again stressed that his administration will be able to achieve its development program, guided by his 6 C’s of governance, including  Clean governance; Capability; Compassion; Courage; Commitment and Consistency.  He also declared that the provincial government will no longer allow the operation of new coal-fed electric power plants and mining undertakings in Batangas Province, as part of his administration’s commitment for environmental protection.  Vince Altar / PIO Capitol