INVEST DIGEST

1st Semester | 2022

The Official Newsletter of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc.

Palaya Shrimp Farm: ANZAP Falls:

An Innovative Aquaculture A Majestic Natural Wonder
Business Venture in Zambales of Tarlac
Page 6 Page 8

© Clark International Airport

Approved
CL ROLL-IT Projects CRK Launches New
Reach ₱2B in 2022
Passenger Terminal
The Clark International Airport (CRK) officially launched
its new passenger terminal building envisioned to be Asia’s
next premier gateway.

On May 2, 2022, a ceremonial water cannon salute was

given to the first departing and arriving flights from
Jetstar Asia and Cebu Pacific Air.
photo from DPWH-3
With a total investment of nearly ₱12.55 billion, the new
A total of thirty-three (33) terminal boasts of a 110,000-square-meter area featuring
road projects in Central Luzon state-of-the-art facilities and superior accessibility for
worth ₱2,027,138,000 have both domestic and international travelers. It has four
been approved and funded floor levels, 18 aero bridges, 3,881 car parking spaces,
under the Roads Leveraging 20 bus parking spaces and is designed to accommodate
Linkages of Industry and Trade 8 million passengers per annum that will help decongest
(ROLL-IT) Program, which is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.
now on its sixth and last year Passengers departing and arriving in Clark will now use
of implementation. the new terminal.

The convergence program The new terminal has contactless features for passenger
of the Department of Trade safety and autonomy which include self-service check-in
and Industry (DTI) and the kiosks and bag-drop systems. On top of these, they also
Department of Public Works have all-gender restrooms, nursing stations, multi-faith
continued on page 2 continued on page 5
 2 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Approved CL ROLL-IT Projects Reach ₱2B in 2022

from page 1

and Highways (DPWH), more commonly within the Duterte Administration from 2016
known under the banner ROLL-IT, was to 2022.
established in 2016 through a Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) between the two Since 2018, when the first batch of projects
agencies to develop infrastructure projects endorsed by Region 3’s ROLL-IT Regional
leading to key industries and priority Technical Working Group (RTWG) were
economic and manufacturing zones in the approved and implemented, the program
country. The MOA established the working saw the completion of seventeen (17)
arrangement between DTI and DPWH for road projects worth ₱1,012,077,000 from
the joint undertaking which envisioned to the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan,
fuel the surge of domestic and foreign direct Pampanga and Tarlac.
investments through road projects funded

COMPLETED PROJECTS as of March 2022* TOTAL AMOUNT REMARKS

AURORA
Improvement of Dingalan-Umiray Provincial Road connecting Brgy. Umiray,
Brgy. Ibona and Brgy. Matawe DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) and Dingalan- Approved under
1 ₱60,000,000
Gabaldon National Road in support of SSF cooperator, SME & beneficiaries GAA FY 2019
Fruits and Coconut By-Products, Dingalan, Aurora
BATAAN
Improvement of Road connecting junction Layac-Balanga-Mariveles Port
Approved under
2 Road to Brgy. Pto. Rivas in support of Fish Processing Industry, Balanga City, ₱48,000,000
GAA FY 2018
Bataan
Improvement of Road connecting Roman Expressway to Upper Tuyo in Approved under
3 ₱20,000,000
support of Agribusiness, Balanga City, Bataan GAA FY 2018
Improvement of Road connecting Gen. Lim to Roman Expressway in support Approved under
4 ₱100,000,000
to Agri-based Industries, Orion, Bataan GAA FY 2018
Improvement of Road connecting Junction Layac-Balanga-Mariveles Port
Approved under
5 Road to Brgy. Daan Bago in support of Fish Processing Industry, Orion, ₱45,000,000
GAA FY 2018
Bataan
Construction of Road Connecting Gov. JJ Linao Road to Sitio Alapat in
Approved under
6 Support to Shared Service Facility for Engineered Bamboo Production, ₱10,000,000
GAA FY 2019
Banawang, Bagac, Bataan
B U LACAN
Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Tabe-Tiaong Municipal Road Connecting
Approved under
7 Balagtas-Guiguinto Bypass Road in support of Transport and Logistics, ₱15,000,000
GAA FY 2018
Others: Warehouses, Industrial estates, Guiguinto, Bulacan
Construction/ Improvement of Longos Provincial Road (with Bridge
Approved under
8 Component) and Carillo-Abulalas Farm to Market Road at Barangay Abulalas ₱52,000,000
GAA FY 2018
in support of Horticulture Businesses Hagonoy, Bulacan
Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Pandi-Angat Road Connecting Gen. Alejo
Approved under
9 Santos Highway and Balagtas-Pandi Road and Sta. Clara-Pandi Road in ₱60,000,000
GAA FY 2018
Support of Furniture and Garments, Pandi, Bulacan
Rehabilitation/ Improvement of San Ildefonso-RR Sta.-Akle Road connecting
Old Cagayan Valley Road and Pulong Sampaloc-Akle-Buasaw Road in Approved under
10 ₱180,000,000
Support of the Agri-businesses in San Ildefonso, DRT, and San Miguel towns, GAA FY 2018
San Ildefonso, Bulacan
PAM PAN GA
Widening of Philippine Export Zone (PEZA) Road and construction of road
connecting Angeles-Magalang Road to East Circumferential Road in support Approved under
11 ₱53,515,000
of handicraft, furniture, manufacturing and garments and textile industries, GAA FY 2019
Angeles City, Pampanga

Photo from DPWH-3

 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 3

COMPLETED PROJECTS as of March 2022* TOTAL AMOUNT REMARKS

PAM PAN GA
Improvement and Construction of Road connecting West Circumferential
Road to East Mega Dike Bacolor Side going to San Fernando and Bacolor Approved under
12 ₱25,000,000
in support of furniture, garments and textiles and processed meat products GAA FY 2020
industries, Angeles City, Pampanga
Improvement and Widening of Zeppelin St. and Clark Perimeter Road
Approved under
13 connecting MacArthur Highway to West Circumferential Road in support of ₱35,000,000
GAA FY 2020
IT-BPM, hotels, garments and textiles industries, Angeles City, Pampanga
Clark North Access Road from MacArthur Highway to P. Balagtas Avenue, Approved under
14 ₱35,000,000
Mabalacat City, Pampanga GAA FY 2020
TAR LAC
Bamban Seamless Road, Bamban, Tarlac Approved under
15 ₱119,800,000
GAA FY 2020
Bamban Seamless Road, Bamban, Tarlac (Package 2) Approved under
16 ₱80,000,000
GAA FY 2021
Bamban Seamless Road, Bamban, Tarlac (Package 3) Approved under
17 ₱73,762,000
GAA FY 2021

*Source: DPWH-3

Sixteen (16) projects remain to be completed from Dinalupihan, Bataan and San Felipe,
this year with a total amount of Zambales. A total of ₱700 million have been
₱315,061,000 approved under the General used to fund eleven (11) of these projects
Appropriations Act (GAA) for fiscal year in previous years, with the ongoing projects
2022. Most of the projects are continuing amounting to ₱1,015,061,000 to include
appropriations classified for multi-year the amount approved under the GAA for this
funding while five (5) are new projects year.

PROJECTS APPROVED Under GAA FY 2022* AMOUNT

AURORA
Calabgan to Bianoan Road connecting to Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO) and Baler-
1 Casiguran National Road in support of APECO Locators and SSF Cooperator, SME & Beneficiaries, ₱5,000,000
Casiguran, Aurora
BATAAN
Access Road from Hermosa Economic and Industrial Zone connecting Palihan-Mabiga-SBMA,
2 ₱10,000,000
Hermosa, Bataan
Opening and Construction of Road in Brgy San Simon to Brgy Tucop Agro-industrial Area,
3 ₱10,000,000
Dinalupihan, Bataan
4 Opening and Construction of road in Brgy. Pita leading to Agro-industrial Area, Dinalupihan, Bataan ₱10,000,000
Opening and Construction of road in Brgy. Torres-New San Jose-Pagalangang Agricultural Area,
5 ₱10,000,000
Dinalupihan, Bataan
Opening and Construction of Road in Brgy. Tubo-Tubo leading to Agro-Tourism Area, Dinalupihan,
6 ₱10,000,000
Bataan
Bagac-Mariveles By-pass Road connecting Bagac-Mariveles Road to Freeport Area of Bataan in
7 ₱30,000,000
support to Mix-used Industry- Electronics, Garments, Fashion Bags, FAB, Mariveles, Bataan
B U LACAN
8 Brgy. Batia, Bocaue to Brgy. Malibong Matanda to Malibong Bata Road, Pandi, Bulacan ₱3,500,000
9 Brgy. Buisan, Bustos to Brgy. Bagbaguin-Brgy. Manatal, Pandi, Bulacan ₱2,500,000
Matungao-Guiguinto Provincial Road connecting McArthur Highway and Bantayan Road in support
10 of Electronic Manufacturing, Chemicals, Furniture and Garments, and Agribusiness Industries in ₱51,500,000
Barangays Malis, Panginay, Poblacion, Tabe, and Tuktukan, Guiguinto, Bulacan
PAM PAN GA
Angeles City Toll Exit Connecting NLEX and SCTEX in support of Handicraft, Furniture,
11 ₱10,000,000
Manufacturing, Hotel, IT-BPM, Garments and Textile Industries, Angeles City, Pampanga
continued on next page
Photo from DPPWH--3

4 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Approved CL ROLL-IT Projects Reach ₱2B in 2022

from page 3

PROJECTS APPROVED Under GAA FY 2022* AMOUNT

PAM PAN GA
12 Camachilles-Sapang-Biabas-Bical Road, Mabalacat City, Pampanga ₱15,000,000
East Circumferential Road connecting MacArthur Highway to Angeles-Magalang Road in support of
13 ₱15,000,000
Handicraft, Furniture and Garments, and Food Processing Industries, Angeles City, Pampanga
NLEX-SCTEX Connecting Road in support of Furniture, IT-BPM, Hotels, Garments and Textile
14 ₱17,561,000
Industries, Angeles City, Pampanga
15 Sta. Ines-Atlu Bola Road, Mabalacat City, Pampanga ₱15,000,000
ZAMBALES
16 Concreting of Brgy. Manglicmot to Brgy. Balincaguing, San Felipe, Zambales ₱100,000,000
TOTAL ₱315,061,000

*Source: DPWH-3

Through the ROLL-IT program, six out of the country. The amount spent on the industry
seven provinces in Region 3 have benefitted road projects in the region is just a fraction of
from the accelerated infrastructure the ₱8.2 trillion or 7% of the country’s Gross
development and inclusive economic growth Domestic Product (GDP) allotted for public
which the program intended as part of the infrastructure expenditure from 2016 to
Build Build Build project which aims to 2022. - Rya Bianca G. Artates, DTI-3 Regional
address the huge infrastructure backlog in the Office

Petron Eyes Completion of Limay

Refinery this Year
Petron Corporation expressed optimism 140 MW to 184 MW.
that it will complete the construction of
the country’s only remaining refinery, the The Petron report said the estimated total
184-megawatt power plant in Limay, cost of the project is approximately ₱12
Bataan. billion. New power plant facilities had been
started in 2019 and are expected to be
The Philippine Power News in its online completed in the second half of 2022.
post said the Petron plant, which produces
180,000 barrels per day, will be completed The Bataan refinery, according to the Petron
in the second half of the year, in line with its website, has a crude oil distillation capacity of
refinery efficiency program. 180,000 barrels per day. It processes crude
oil into a range of white fuel products such
Petron is now constructing new power as gasoline, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, kerosene,
facilities and structures to replace some of its naptha and petrochemical feed stock like
old generators, increase steam production, propylene. - Greg Refraccion, Bataan Provincial
and expand power generation capacity from Information Office

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/114934873@N07/51830282394/

Photos from Clark International Airport website and Facebook Page

Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 5

CRK Launches New Passenger Terminal

from page 1

prayer rooms, and the country’s first-ever

lounge dedicated exclusively for Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Department of Transportation (DOTr)

Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the project,
completed amid the COVID-19 pandemic
and other challenges, is a living proof that if
everyone works together and jointly commit
themselves to provide a life of comfort and as Asia’s next premier gateway, but soon as a
convenience for all, nothing will be impossible. provider of jobs to thousands of Filipinos,” he
added.
Meanwhile, Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA) Officer- Operated by the Luzon International Premiere
In-Charge Aristotle Batuhan expressed his Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation,
gratitude to the 3,000 workers, engineers, the new CRK Terminal is a joint project of the
designers and architects who worked DOTr and the BCDA. This is the first hybrid
tirelessly on the new terminal, even thru public-private partnership under the “Build,
the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Build, Build” (BBB) program started and
“Through their sacrifice, the new Clark completed during the Duterte administration.
terminal building is set to soar high, not just - Rhia C. Laxa, DTI-Pampanga

Solar Philippines Locates in Nueva Ecija

Solar Philippines, the largest solar energy to be completed this year. The remaining
provider in the country, has chosen the 275MW will be developed in the succeeding
province of Nueva Ecija as the location of years.
its subsidiary, Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija
(SPNEC). SPNEC is developing a 500MW SPNEC will have an approximately
solar power plant in the barangays of Las 10-kilometer long, 230 kV transmission line
Piñas and Sinasajan in Peñaranda. Said from the project site to the Cabanatuan
locations have good levels of irradiance Substation of the National Grid Corporation
and adequate available land, making them of the Philippines (NGCP).
conducive to solar power generation.
Once completed, this solar farm will produce
The development of the project, with a a cheaper and more reliable source of
declared total investment of ₱1 billion and 20 electricity for Central Luzon and will favorably
employed personnel, will be phased. Phase 1 position the region for a smooth transition
of its development, with a total capacity of into the country’s renewable energy future.
225MW, started in 2021 and is expected - Honeylen Marie P. Fernando, DTI-Nueva Ecija

photo from http://www.solarphilippines.ph/

 6 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Palaya Shrimp Farm: An

Innovative Aquaculture
Business Venture in Zambales
By Jennifer Yap, Zambales Tourism Office

The farm aims to provide the cleanest and freshest shrimp

sustainably farmed using the best aquaculture practices while
promoting inclusive growth within the community.

Photos from Palaya Shrimp Farm Facebook Page

 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 7

In the Philippines, shrimp production has

been mainly located in Negros and the
Panay Islands in Central and Western
Visayas. This has changed recently as shrimp
production has been growing and increasing
in other areas, such as Central Luzon. The
municipalities of San Felipe, Cabangan and
Palauig in Zambales are now hosts to shrimp
and prawn hatcheries.

Aquaculture has experienced the shift from

milkfish to prawn due to profitability in
shrimp farming. Shrimp aquaculture is under
pressure to increase its production to meet to Mr. Colesio. He added that there are a lot
the demand from a growing population. of opportunities locally with the presence
of technology, education, and training that
With this principle, a young entrepreneur can help in raising the bar in the standards
and businessman came out to develop a of shrimp farming and make it a booming but
Shrimp Farm that is nestled between the sustainable industry.
mountains and the sea in Palauig, Zambales.
Palaya Shrimp Farm is strategically located To achieve its vision of producing the
at Barangay Macarang, Palauig, Zambales. cleanest and freshest shrimp globally, Palaya
This 26-hectare farm was developed by its Shrimp Farm uses a filtration system that
President and CEO, Mr. Ignacio Colesio on provides cleaner seawater in shrimp tanks.
May 20, 2020. The farm aims to provide the It sources its pond water directly from the
cleanest and freshest shrimp sustainably West Philippine Sea before it undergoes an
farmed using the best aquaculture practices intricate and tedious filtering process.
while promoting inclusive growth within the
community. Aside from producing the best quality of
litopenaeus vannamei shrimp, the farm also
“There’s a huge disparity between the current has cabin and accommodation facilities.
capacity and the potential to supply in the Each cabin has a private pool, living room,
Philippines. We produce 60,000 metric tons kitchen, dining, bath and shower, and
while other places like India, despite having bedrooms that can accommodate 10-12
only 20% of shoreline compared to our persons. The farm will be open for tourists
country’s archipelago, can produce as much and guests seeking to enjoy first-hand the
as 600,000 metric tons annually,” according “Dala Experience” or the method of catching
shrimps and other farm-related recreational
activities. Guests can indulge in farm-to-
table dishes that are freshly harvested.

At present, Palaya Shrimp Farm is still open

to business partners and shareholders who
would like to invest and be part of Palaya
Ventures.
 8 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

The sun had not shown itself yet when we decided to start our
journey on the way to one strong proof of the beauty of nature in
Tarlac.

My entire body is tingling with excitement. I cannot help but to be

jittery knowing that on this day, I will be able to see the highest
waterfall in the province, known by many as the ANZAP Twin Falls.
This waterfall has an estimated solid height of 200 feet, which can
be compared to a building with four stories.

ANZAP Falls:
A Majestic Natural Wonder of Tarlac
By Leyana Seacor, Provincial Government of Tarlac

Photos courtesy of: Pao Beltran & Vlade Marquez

 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 9

The place welcomed us with a cold embrace

of the refreshing wind. The feeling, as well
as the climate and scenery, would definitely
take you back to Baguio City; supported by
the several pine trees in the place, which
were a product of the ASEAN New Zealand
Afforestation Project (ANZAP). Surely the
only thing that is missing for that complete
“Baguio Experience” are the strawberries!

It is crucial to be guided by the locals on the

way to the twin falls to prevent the possibility
of being lost in the middle of the wilderness.
This is why we made sure that, aside from
our fellow travelers who have already been
there a few times, we also asked some locals
from the area to be our tour guides.
the peak of the twin falls. With our continuous
We officially started going down the steps, finally, we reached the breathtaking
mountains after a short prayer for our ANZAP Twin Falls. Silence dominated the
safety and a few warnings and reminders place where we stood. No one dared to say
for all hikers. It was revitalizing to see all anything; stunned, we stood there in awe,
the greenery surrounding me and to pass our gaze fixed on the enchanting twin falls.
through all the cave-like bamboo trees along
the trail. I can vouch that anyone who will The water falling strongly from the top is very
pass through those trees would be tempted clear and is extra cold. It is surrounded by a
enough to set up their own hammocks while lot of plants of various families and different
just enjoying the magnificent surroundings. rock formations, which add to its majestic
ambiance. Everything was so peaceful
After more than an hour of hiking and a and serene. The scenery itself served as a
bucket of sweat, the wind changed; it was reward for all the hikers after their long and
stronger and colder. The sounds of hundreds tiring journey. Surely, the beauty of nature
of different birds were clashing with the loud is breathtaking, and I cannot describe how
sound of the water falling 200 feet high from lucky we, especially the Tarlaqueños, are to
be given the chance to breathe and live in
this place.

As a writer, one of the most challenging

things to do is to put into a few words the
beauty and majesty of a place. I am certain
that there would not be enough exact words
that would give justice to this enchanting
place in Tarlac, but if I will try to describe
the ANZAP Twin Falls in a few words — this
place is definitely a wonder.
10 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Images from https://rockwellcenternepoangeles.com/

Rockwell Center Lands in Nepo Angeles

Rockwell Land Inc. (RLI), the real estate arm of the Lopez group, is set to launch this year its
first Rockwell Center outside of Metro Manila, the “Rockwell Center Nepo” in Angeles City.

In its 25 years of being in the real estate

development business, Rockwell Land is
known for developing thriving communities
with diverse real estate portfolio. The project
is a joint venture between Rockwell Land and
Juan D. Nepomuceno Realty Group.

It is located near prominent landmarks such

as Entec 1 & 2, Holy Angel University and
Nepo Mart, right in the heart of the city. The
4.5-hectare property will feature 78% open
space for a functional yet relaxed community
for all ages. It will house four mid-rise
residential buildings and retail areas. Rockwell
Nepo will also have the second Power Plant
Mall which will have several retail and food Its first residential building is targeted for
and beverage brands that offer a similar taste turnover by the fourth quarter of 2025 and
of its flagship establishment. It will also offer the succeeding buildings will be launched in
world-class amenities to its future residents the following years.
such as swimming pools, a function room, a
fitness gym and a multipurpose court, as well This latest addition to the booming real estate
as ample room for fresh air with the great development in the province will cement
lawn and pocket gardens, dedicating 70% of Pampanga as the next economic center in
the property to open spaces. Luzon. - Rhia Laxa, DTI-Pampanga
 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 11

Wilcon Depot AFAB Contributes

Opens 2nd Store in ₱233.1M to
Nueva Ecija National Coffers

Wilcon Depot, one of the country’s leading The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan
home improvement and construction supply (AFAB) contributed ₱233.1 million to the
retailer, opened Wilcon Depot Gapan City on national government from its dividend and
April 29, 2022. Located on an 11,670-square- taxes collected in 2021.
meter property at Purok Proper II, Santo
Cristo Norte in the said town, this is Wilcon’s In a news statement posted on AFAB’s official
75th store nationwide and the second store Facebook page, it stated that if broken down,
in the province after the company’s first AFAB remitted ₱73.5 million of this as part
entry with the opening of Wilcon Depot of its dividends, ₱23.2 million came from
Cabanatuan in 2017. income tax and ₱136.3 million from other
taxes.
The new store opening is part of the
company’s ongoing 5-year store expansion “This success is the result of the combined
campaign, #FlyingHighTo100, which aims to diligence and dedication of the investors,
have 100 store-network nationwide by 2025, workers, and management of FAB,” AFAB
barring any unexpected external factors. Administrator Emmanuel Pineda said. “It is a
testament that although the challenge to our
With an investment amounting to ₱87.9 economy caused by the pandemic continues,
million, the retail outlet was able to generate AFAB does not stop fulfilling its goal of
122 employment opportunities for the locals. providing meaningful assistance for the town
of Mariveles and the province of Bataan,” he
Residents of Gapan, nearby towns, as well as added.
Bulakenyos can now shop in its 7,000 square
meters of selling room filled with thousands The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is the
of large, high-quality and extensive solution only freeport in the Manila Bay area and is
alternatives ranging from tiles, sanitary wares, considered as the fastest-growing in the
plumbing, home furniture, residence-making Philippines. It is an ideal transshipment hub,
materials, hardware, electrical, appliances, strategically located at a prime transit point
and other do-it-yourself goods coming from for domestic, regional, and global shipping.
regional and worldwide manufacturers.
The FAB is 90.6 kilometers away from Subic
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by Freeport which is equivalent to a one-hour
Wilcon Depot President and CEO Lorraine drive. Clark Freeport is 117 kilometers away
Belo-Cincochan and Wilcon Depot SEVP- from the FAB, a quick hour and a half’s trip by
COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong together with land. It takes less than 20 minutes to travel
industry partners. - Honeylen Marie Fernando, by air to these freeports from FAB. - Mhike
DTI-Nueva Ecija Cigaral, Bataan Provincial Information Office
12 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Chinese Ambassador
H.E. Huang Xilian Visits Bataan
The Ambassador of China to the Philippines,
His Excellency Huang Xilian, visited the
Chinese companies located inside the
Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) in Mariveles
and paid a courtesy visit to Bataan Governor
Albert Garcia at The Bunker at the Capitol,
Balanga City on April 18, 2022.

During his visit to the Dinginin 2×660

MW coal-fired power station in Mariveles,
Ambassador Xilian confirmed that a Chinese
enterprise is set to build the country’s largest
power plant in Bataan.
cooperation in future to satisfy the need of
The Unit 1 of the project has been generating Philippine people,” Ambassador Xilian said.
power while Unit 2 is expected to be
synchronized to the grid around the corner. On his courtesy visit, H.E. Xilian reiterated
Upon completion, the Ambassador added, it his commitment to be a strong partner of
will be the largest power plant and the first the province, promising to bring technology
one to apply super-critical power-generation investments in the future, as he donated 200
technology in the Philippines. The Chinese tablets amounting to ₱1.6 million to grade
envoy said that once put into full operation, school children from seven public schools in
it will be capable of distributing 5.8 billion Balanga City. The ambassador commended
kWh of electricity every year, a huge relief the Bataeños for the friendship offered to
to the Filipinos suffering from the shortage his fellow Chinese citizens who haven’t been
of power. back to China for the past two and a half
years and have been working and living in the
The project has so far created 22,151 working country alongside Filipino friends.
opportunities to the people of Bataan and it
was built with a vision of energy conservation For his part, Governor Garcia expressed his
and environmental protection. Its on-site gratitude to Ambassador Xilian for helping
equipment can ensure long-term and stable Bataan in its fight against COVID-19 through
power output while conducting qualified their vaccine donations. “All around the world,
treatment of harmful gases generated during the phrase ‘fall of Bataan’ is very famous but
production. we have been working on the rise of Bataan’s
economy, providing jobs for our people so
“Applause for the China-Philippines they can have better lives. China has helped
infrastructure cooperation. I wish the two us a lot in the rise of Bataan,” he said.
countries could carry out better green energy continued on page 13
 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 13

CLGCFI Spearheads Updating and

Completion of Business and Investment
Data of Central Luzon

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, vital in promoting the region and in providing
the Central Luzon Growth Corridor assistance to investors looking at Central
Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI) headed by Tarlac Luzon as a destination for business.
Governor Susan Yap, in partnership with the
Department of Trade and Industry-Region 3 As of May 2022, the initial set of updated
(DTI-3) and the Board of Investments (BOI), data has been submitted to the BOI for
spearheaded the updating and completion of inclusion in their national databases. It has
the business and investment-related data of also formed part of the IMPACT I.D. (Impact,
the region. This was first agreed upon during Innovation, and Digitalization) project of the
the CLGCFI’s 1st Quarter Meeting for 2021 Industry Development Division (IDD) of the
held on March 18, 2021 via Zoom. DTI-3 under the Establishment of Provincial
Investment Databases for investors.
This project includes the updating and
completion of the Cost of Doing Business The regional network of Central Luzon
(CODB) of the cities and municipalities of the Investment Promotion Officers is tasked
region, Ready for Occupancy (RFO) Location to regularly update the data to ensure that
Database, Project Offers with proposals, business and investment-related information
Provincial Fact Sheets and Provincial of Region 3 is readily available for prospective
Investment Promotion Plans. These data are investors. - Rona O. Dizon, CLGCFI

Chinese Ambassador Visits Bataan

from page 12

Some Chinese companies were among the The governor also mentioned the creation of
first locators at the Freeport Area of Bataan the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge that will
and became one of the biggest employers in bring further economic development not only
the freeport. to Bataan and Cavite, but also to neighboring
regions.
Governor Garcia also highlighted how China’s
efforts at alleviating poverty have become With its strategic location, Bataan as a
an inspiration. “Their rapid economic growth peninsula is an ideal launchpad for different
made a hundred million people in their industries to thrive. - Mhike Cigaral, Bataan
country level up and become the working Provincial Information Office, and Bataan
class,” he added. Provincial Tourism Office
14 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Tarlaqueño Artists Grace First Ever

Kanlahi Bamboo Arts and Crafts
Design Competition
During the celebration of the 6th Kanlahi Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac and
Festival on March 7, 2022, artists from all the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise
over the province of Tarlac showcased their Development Office (PCEDO), headed by
talents by displaying their artworks at the Ms. Marvi Dela Cruz.
Capitol Center.
The competition gathered a total of
The Bamboo Arts and Crafts Design 36 bamboo crafts and artworks from
Competition is an initiative of the Tarlac Tarlaqueño artists that included Gifts and
Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Home Decors, Furniture and Furnishing, and
Council (TPBIDC) made possible through the Fashion Accessories and Wearables, with
Provincial Government of Tarlac. The activity winners in the following categories:
was proposed by the Philippine Chamber of

Professional Category
Jherard Balgos | Lampshade Mountain 1st Place, People’s Choice Moncada
Joselito Sulayao | Bluetooth Speaker 2nd Place Camiling
Michael Rafael | Bamboo Mahogany Clock 3rd Place Camiling
Nick Corpuz | Vase TPBIDC’s Choice Camiling
Randy Lindo | Emperor’s Lounge Governor’s Choice Tarlac City
Amateur Category
Breih Pascua | Daloy 1st Place Victoria
Mark Brian Pascual | Isa and Hiraya 2nd Place, TPBIDC’s Choice Pura
Oscar Tanedo | Likha ni Ka-Oca 3rd Place, People’s Choice, Governor’s Choice Gerona
 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 15

PCEDO Head Marvi Dela Cruz saw the bamboo.

activity as an opportunity to promote the
province’s bamboo industry, not just as a After this year’s success, more artists are
source of income and livelihood for the expected to join the next celebration of
Tarlaqueños, but also to pave the way for the Kanlahi Festival. The Bamboo Arts and
their vision of earning the title “Bamboo Crafts Design Competition will be conducted
Capital of Central Luzon” and the Philippines annually to promote the culture and the
in the near future. Ms. Dela Cruz added rich natural resources of the province and
that the biggest success of the event was to encourage and showcase the talents of
the discovery of the Tarlaqueños’ creativity the Tarlaqueños. - Leyana Seacor, Provincial
and talent in creating artworks made from Government of Tarlac

Zambales Launches Wine Industry

Promotion Initiative
On January 31, 2022, the Provincial of this plant are cooked with sugar and left
Government of Zambales (PGZ), through to ferment resulting to wine that is fragrant
the Zambales Tourism Office (ZTO) and the and sweet. Banking on Zambales’ reputation
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), for having the best-tasting mangoes in the
launched the Tara Mag-unwine sa Zambales, Philippines, the province also makes wine
a project aimed at promoting locally-made from Dinamulag mangoes which have a
wines by making them available for sale at distinctively sweet and bright flavor.
various tourism establishments. The launch
was attended by DTI-3 Regional Director The local winemaking industry in Zambales is
Leonila Baluyut, Provincial Tourism Officer supported by the local governments and the
Maria Domitela Mora, and Sundowners DTI. A Shared Service Facility (SSF) has been
Villas Zambales General Manager Ricardo granted to two (2) Micro, Small and Medium
Dimayuga. Sundowners is the first tourism Enterprises (MSMEs), the Pinagrealan
establishment to sell Zambales-made wines Lauis Upland Farmer’s Association and
under this initiative. the Nagkaisang Samahang Magsasaka at
Mangingisda MPC. DTI-Zambales provides
Winemaking is an age-old industry as entrepreneurship training to develop the
recorded in history through songs and skills of the local wine makers, assistance
stories. It requires a lot of time, skill, and in product development and packaging to
patience. The best produce has to be selected ensure that the final product meets high
carefully, prepared thoroughly, and stored standards, and exposure by facilitating the
safely to ensure that the natural process of participation of MSMEs in local and regional
fermentation produces top quality wine. trade fairs.

The main produce used for wines made in In the coming year, DTI aims to have
Zambales are the Roselle and Mango. Roselle Zambales-made wines available in all resorts
is a species of flowering plant in the genus in the province. - Kevin L. Nacabuan, PTIPO-
Hibiscus and is native to Africa. Flower buds Zambales
16 Invest Digest | 2022 1st Semester

Tarlac LEIPO
Conducts
Workshop with
PEZA, SCAD
The Provincial Local Economic and Investment established as a government agency primarily
Promotions Office (LEIPO), together with the tasked in promoting investments, providing
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) assistance and facilitating incentives for
and the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development investors and firms within the Special
(SCAD), conducted a workshop-forum for Economic Zones.
the 18 Local Government Units of Tarlac at
the Bulwagang Kanlahi of the Diwa ng Tarlac “A few weeks ago, I also attended and
on May 19, 2022. welcomed our guests from the different
international and multi-national companies
The forum entitled “Developing Economic as part of the World Trade Tourism Council
Zones in Tarlac Province” was participated Investment Tour in Clarkfield, Pampanga. It is
in by the Investment Promotions Officer, a great opportunity for provinces like Tarlac
the Planning and Development Coordinator, and Pampanga to showcase our investment
the Assessor, the Tourism Officer, the potentials, strengths and capabilities
Business Permit and Licensing Officer, the including untapped resources that will
Legal Officer, and the Council’s Committee promote and provide an additional tourism
Chairmen on Agrarian Reform, Zoning and investment niche,” she said in her message.
Land Use, Trade Industry, Commerce and
Economic Affairs, and Appropriations and For her part, PEZA Director General Charito
Ways and Means of each local government B. Plaza, in her video message, thanked
unit. Yap and the organizers of the forum for
being invited to discuss the importance of
In Governor Susan Yap’s message read economic zone development to our growth
by Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena, and progress.
she mentioned the “Ambisyon Natin
2040”, a long-term vision of the Duterte Frances Margaret Canlas, the LEIPO Head
administration aimed at empowering every of the Provincial Government of Tarlac,
Filipino to achieve individual excellence. thanked PEZA Director General Plaza, PEZA
Yap likewise said that the economic zone Deputy Director General for Policy and
development is focused on the liberalization Planning, PEZA OIC-Zone Administrator
and the involvement of the private sector. of Baguio City Emmanuel Cortero, PEZA
Division Chief for Regulation and Processing
Republic Act 7916, also known as the Special Ludwig Daza, SCAD Executive Director Atty.
Economic Zone Act of 1995 enabled Carmina Fabros and other SCAD and PEZA
the private sector to participate in the participants for their support to the activity.
development and management of economic - Arvin Cabalu, Tarlac Provincial Information
zones. It is through this act where PEZA was Office
 Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. 17

DTI-3 IPOs Join Training on

Investments Promotion
Regional and provincial investment promotion that a number of foreign investors assisted
officers (IPOs) of the Department of Trade by BOI have expressed interest in locating in
and Industry (DTI) Region 3 participated Central Luzon.
in the Capability Building Training on
Investments Promotion in the New Normal As part of the training, the participants from
held on May 19, 2022 at Best Western Metro the 7 DTI provincial offices of the region
Clark, Angeles City. presented their respective provincial profiles
and investment projects for promotion
Organized by the Board of Investments (BOI), which were reviewed by the panel members
the training was customized for DTI Region from BOI and Director Baluyut during the
3 front liners who lead the local government activity. DTI Zambales Provincial Director
units (LGUs) in investment promotion. With Enrique Tacbad, in his closing message,
focus on investment generation, the activity also encouraged the in-depth review and
aimed to capacitate the IPOs on how to analysis of the provinces’ competitive and
package the region and the provinces’ comparative advantages for inclusion in the
competitive advantages to attract big ticket provincial profiles presented.
investments.
Topics such as the Digital Shift in Investment
DTI-3 Regional Director Leonila Baluyut Promotion, Investment Promotion Briefcase,
opened the activity with a call to action Packaging of Competitive Advantage, Doing
addressed to the participants, prompting Business in the Philippines, Corporate
them to capitalize on the policy tools which Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises
lifted restrictions of participation for foreign (CREATE) Act, and BOI Incentives were also
investors in domestic enterprises and public presented by the other resource persons
services. Director Baluyut also cited the need from BOI.
for the IPOs’ readiness to draw investors by
banking on the region’s opportunities and With the additional expertise provided
providing updated and accurate investment through the training, the IPOs would be better-
data. equipped in generating investment leads,
especially with the recent developments in
BOI Domestic and Investments Promotion infrastructure which have contributed to the
Service (DIPS) Director Maria Rosario region’s accessibility resulting in an enhanced
Dominguez provided an overview of the business and investment environment
seminar. With the marked changes brought favored by investors. - Rya Bianca G. Artates,
about by the pandemic in the investment DTI Region 3
landscape, she emphasized the need for IPOs
to make themselves felt in the virtual world.
She also noted the importance of innovation
and use of technology in getting investment
leads and providing prompt assistance, adding
 ACEN Invests INVEST
1st Semester
2022

₱4.5 Billion in San DIGEST

Marcelino, Zambales The Official Newsletter of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc.

Solar Farm EDITORIAL TE AM

Raquel R. Malig
Ayala Corporation Energy (ACEN), thru its Editor-in-Chief
wholly-owned subsidiary, Santa Cruz Solar Rona O. Dizon
Energy, Inc., is investing ₱4.5 billion in a Managing Editor

500-megawatt solar farm in San Marcelino, Rya Bianca G. Artates

Content Editor
Zambales. Located in a 263-hectare land covered
by lahar in the barangays of Aglao and Sta. Fe, Barry J. Pangilinan
Layout
the solar farm, which has an expansion potential
of up to 700 MW, will feature the latest solar Contributors
Rya Bianca G. Artates
technologies using east-west oriented panels Arvin Cabalu
Mhike Cigaral
and string inverters to capture solar radiation Rona O. Dizon
Honeylen Marie P. Fernando
more efficiently. Cynthia V. Jaravata
Rhia C. Laxa
Kevin L. Nacabuan
Santa Cruz Solar Energy, Inc. has tapped four Greg Refraccion
Leyana Seacor
contractors to do the project components. Jennifer Yap
Terp Asia Construction Corporation leads
the access and infrastructure component
ADVISORY BOARD
that includes road improvements, and bridge,
Hon. Susan A. Yap
tower and buildings construction. Power China Governor, Tarlac
Philippines Corporation and Power Construction CLGCFI President

Corporation of China Ltd. take charge of the solar Hon. Gerardo A. Noveras
Governor, Aurora
plant’s first and second phases while Ronmark
Hon. Albert Raymond S. Garcia
Corporation is in charge of the sub-station. Governor, Bataan

Hon. Daniel R. Fernando

According to Project Development Manager Governor, Bulacan

Margarita Roxas, the project has generated Hon. Aurelio M. Umali

Governor, Nueva Ecija
1,300 jobs. More jobs will be available once
laying of the 700,000 solar panels has been Hon. Dennis G. Pineda
Governor, Pampanga
started.
Hon. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.
Governor, Zambales

ACEN aims to help address the potential Dir. Leonila T. Baluyut

power shortages in the country as energy Regional Director, DTI-3

demand continues to grow. Upon the project’s

completion by the first half of 2023, the solar SECRETARIAT
Industry Development Division
farm, which is registered with the Board of Department of Trade & Industry -
Investments (BOI), is expected to produce Regional Office 3
Malikhain cor. Maagap Streets,
over 421 GWh of renewable energy per year Diosdado Macapagal Government Center,
Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
and eliminate 287,796 tons of CO2 emissions 2000 Philippines
Tel: (+6345) 6259291 | Fax: (+6345) 6259607
annually. - Cynthia V. Jaravata, DTI-Zambales https://www.facebook.com/DTI.CentralLuzon.IDD

photo from https://www.facebook.com/PIOSanMarcelinoZambales