LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Among the numerous dreams of Governor Ramon V. Guico III for Pangasinan is for the province to become an inclusive and vibrant economic powerhouse and premier investment hub by 2031.
In achieving the investment target, the governor, together with key officials of the province, conducted strategic planning by laying the foundation made possible through various big-impact projects.
The Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion (PEDIPO) was created to encourage more investments and competitiveness in the province.
“Meron po kaming itinayong PEDIPO (Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office). It’s supposed to promote the available jobs in the province. We also have a PESO (Public Employment Service Office) in the province. But the PEDIPO is trying to invite more investments into the province,” Gov. Guico said.
Atty. Raymundo B. Bautista, Jr., who heads the PEDIPO, reported that investment priorities in Pangasinan include agriculture and agribusiness; tourism development; infrastructure development; manufacturing and industry; healthcare and education; and real estate and housing.
Some of the investment targets identified by the PEDIPO primarily include economic diversification; job creation and workforce development; sustainable development; infrastructure and connectivity; promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs); improving ease of doing business; and long-term goals.
On the other hand, key investment priorities listed by the PEDIPO under agriculture and agri-business specifically identified high-value crops (corporate farm); livestock and poultry in Mangatarem Breeding Station; salt farm in Bolinao town and Bangus Hatchery; dairy farm in Laoac; various tourism projects; food processing; furniture and handicrafts; solar projects under energy and utilities; healthcare and education; education and training (PPC and scholarships); residential development; commercial real estate to include hotels and 360 City; IT parks and BPO centers; climate resilience projects; waste management; mining and mineral resources, among others.
It can be recalled that PEDIPO in partnership with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founding President of Project Abound, caused the participation of Pangasinan’s export-quality local products in the 2023 FAME Trade Exhibition. The event served as a breakthrough for artisans in the province after their products were introduced not only locally but also in the global market.
Manila Fame is the country’s premier design and lifestyle sourcing event that features world-class quality artisanal products for home, interiors, fashion, and modern living. Said event is considered a vital platform for Filipino craftsmanship and creativity that attracts global buyers and exhibitors.
International Food Exhibition (IFEX), on the other hand, is considered the country’s leading trade promotion initiative, dedicated to propelling the domestic food industry onto the global stage.
Both Manila Fame and IFEX Philippines are significant platforms for promoting local products that foster international trade opportunities.
In a related development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on September 2 introduced two newly-crafted ordinances. One is for the establishment of a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade, Investment, and Exposition Center in the Province of Pangasinan, and the other is the institutionalization of MSMEs’ participation in the Manila Fame, IFEX activities, and other similar trade expositions. Said ordinances were referred to the committees on Cooperative, Micro, Small, and Medium Business and Entrepreneurship Development; and Laws and Ordinances.
As stated in the ordinance, the institutionalization of MSMEs’ participation in the two major events and other similar trade expositions will ensure consistent support and development of local enterprises, enabling them to penetrate both domestic and international markets.
“The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment, fostering innovation, and contributing significantly to economic growth,” the ordinance partly stated.
Along with these achievements, the provincial government has successfully launched big-ticket projects and is keen on realizing other long-term goals that will leave indelible marks of excellence for Pangasinan.
“These are not just campaign promises in 2022. They will be our legacy for many generations after us. They are not short-term projects. They will endure for decades beyond our lifetime,” the governor earlier said.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
