Technoparks critical to Regional development

Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusive regional development to attain the government’s goal of achieving an investment-led economy, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual expressed his support to Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corp (ALLHC) as it breaks ground for its 5th industrial estate—Batangas Technopark held on 12 April 2023 at Padre Garcia, Batangas.

This project is aimed at solidifying the presence of ALLHC in Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas (CALABA), the country’s main industrial corridor.

Similar to the other four technoparks—Laguna, Cavuite, Pampanga, and Laguindingan, Batangas technopark is intended for light and medium, non-polluting industries from both local and global markets.

The 55-hectare technopark is targeted to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2025 and is expected to attract a wide range of SMEs that will promote entrepreneurship in Padre Garcia and its surrounding communities.

In his message, Secretary Pascual said, “Technoparks help create and nurture entrepreneurial economic ecosystems that include MSMEs, the backbone of our economy. Your locators can source raw materials and other supplies from MSMEs operating in the technopark’s surrounding areas. That’s why I ask the local government and residents of Padre Garcia and nearby municipalities to prepare for the opportunities that will open as your town becomes a gateway to foreign markets, including Japan, Taiwan, and our ASEAN neighbors among others.”

Further, according to Secretary Pascual, this big-ticket project is aligned with DTI’s priorities in terms of promoting economic growth and expansion.

The establishment of technoparks will help generate green, tech-infused, and high-paying jobs as well as promote sustainable growth within various regions of the country.

Secretary Pascual also praised ALLHC for its critical contribution in economic development, “The technoparks, warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other BOI- and PEZA-registered projects of the Ayala Group of Companies generated employment for thousands of Filipinos. Indeed, your group is a big help in realizing our government’s goal of shared prosperity for all Filipinos.”

Aside from employment generation, technoparks are also critical in showcasing the dynamic industrial opportunities present in the country that will further attract investments from several industries such as manufacturing, automotive, electronics, assembly, and logistics.

The country has also established a strong incentives regime to further facilitate the establishment of projects of the same nature such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, the amended Public Service Act (PSA), Foreign Investments Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

In closing, Secretary Pascual encouraged all stakeholders present, including investors and locators to work hand-in-hand with the national government in making innovative, competitive, sustainable, and inclusive investments possible.

The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas; ALLHC President & CEO Mr. Jose Emmanuel Jalandoni, ALLHC Chairman Mr. Bernard Vincent Dy; Mayor Celsa Rivera; and Vice Mayor Micko Angelo Rivera.