CLGCFI

invest digest The official newsletter of the

Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc.

2021 2nd Semester Issue

Capital-Intensive Projects
Streaming in Bulacan
Infrastructure spending is believed to have a
very high multiplier effect and very critical in

NEWS INSIDE jumpstarting the economy. With infrastructure

development taking place in Bulacan such as the
construction of North-South Commuter Railway
• CLGCFI Holds Webinar Session for the
between Tutuban and Malolos, MRT 7 from Quezon
IPOs - p.3
City to San Jose Del Monte, and Manila International
• Bulacan Sees Bamboo as a Potential Airport, various big-ticket investments are starting
Industry for Development - p.8 to pour in the province.

• Zambales' Export Performance Rises Among the capital-intensive projects which have
Amidst the Pandemic - p.12 been completed, are currently being constructed

• DTI-3 Launches 23 Negosyo Centers or about to be developed are United Pulp and

in 2021 - p.13 Paper Company’s (UPPC) New Paper Machine No.3

in Calumpit, First Bulacan Business Park in the City
• Central Luzon LGUs Hailed as Among of Malolos, BulacanSol in San Miguel, Northwin
The Most Competitive Nationwide - Global City Township in Marilao, Trinx Bicycle
p.15 Sport Technology Corporation in Santa Maria, and
Malolos-Clark Railway Project.

continued on page 4

Baler is now home to the Aurora Cable Landing

Aurora Cable Station (also called Baler Cable Landing

Landing Station Station). The Department of Information

and Communications Technology (DICT) and
Set to Operate the state-owned firm Bases Conversion and
in Baler Development Authority (BCDA) have partnered
continued on page 14
2

built a century ago.

Capital Town is set to become the newest central

business district not only in Pampanga but in
Central Luzon. It is also envisioned to be a must-
visit tourist destination in the province. Fast-food
giant McDonald’s Philippines already opened its
biggest store in the country inside the Capital Town
Pampanga compound.

Soon to rise in the vicinity is the Capital Mall which

MEGAWORLD BRINGS will take its design inspiration from the former
PASUDECO building. Worth some ₱1.8 billion with a
CAPITAL TOWN TO PAMPANGA gross floor area of 33,000 square meters, the Capital
Mall is set to be completed in 2022. It is a fitting
Megaworld Corporation, one of the country’s leading tribute to the legacy of Pampanga’s oldest sugar
real property developers of commercial leases and mill.
residential spaces, is currently in Pampanga for its
first integrated urban township project, the Capital Capital Town Pampanga will also house BPOs,
Town. The township project sits on a 35-hectare offices, shophouses as well as residential units and is
property right in the heart of the City of San Fernando expected to generate employment for the residents
where the former Pampanga Sugar Development of the City of San Fernando and nearby areas. -Rhia
Corporation (PASUDECO) used to operate and was Laxa, DTI-Pampanga

PAMPANGA HOSTS BIG-TICKET PROJECT

BY ROBINSONS LAND
The newest addition to the ever-growing real Montclair is just a few minutes away via the Porac
estate development in the province of Pampanga Exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
is the “Montclair Project” which is owned and being It will also have a trumpet interchange and access
developed by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC). bridge that will connect the estate development
directly to the SCTEX.
RLC is currently developing a 216-hectare land
in Porac, Pampanga into a mixed-use estate, Strategically located near the Clark Freeport
anchored in the robust economic growth of Zone (CFZ), the project is RLC’s response to the
the province. It is an integrated township with government’s call to establish CFZ as the next
residential areas, commercial center, hotel, logistics business district outside of Metro Manila. -Rhia
hub, retirement facility, hospitals and industrial Laxa, DTI-Pampanga
park components. Target date of completion of the
whole estate is by 2031.

INVEST DIGEST
 3

CLGCFI HOLDS WEBINAR SESSIONS FOR THE IPOS

Staying true to its commitment of promoting conducted on
Central Luzon as a logical destination for business, November 19
the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. entitled The
(CLGCFI), headed by Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap, Central Luzon
continues to organize webinar sessions to capacitate Economy in
the region’s network of Investment Promotion the Better
Officers (IPOs) even amidst the pandemic. Normal.

On September 9, the foundation held the Webinar Engr. Susana S. Santiago, OIC-Assistant Regional
on Investment Promotion in the New Normal to Director of the National Economic and Development
keep the IPOs abreast on the emerging trends Authority-Region 3 (NEDA-3) presented and
and challenges that have transformed investment discussed the Central Luzon’s Regional Economic
promotion in the new normal. Situation and Development Outlook. On the other
hand, Dr. Alvin P. Belarmino, Regional Governor of
The foundation tapped Ms. Maria Rosario J. the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-
Dominguez, Director for the Domestic Investments Region 3 (PCCI-3) shared how the pandemic has
Promotion Service of the Board of Investments (BOI), affected the business community and how they
as the resource speaker of the webinar. Director adapted to the new normal.
Dominguez shared the experiences of BOI on how
they navigate thru the pandemic and presented the Both webinar sessions, which were conducted
emerging trends in investment promotion that the via Zoom and streamed via Facebook Live, were
economic frontliners in the region can replicate in participated in by the Central Luzon IPOs, Business
their respective LGUs. Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Local
Economic and Investment Promotions Officers
To assess the economic impact of the COVID-19 (LEIPOs), Negosyo Center Business Counsellors and
pandemic to Central Luzon in particular and to the industry stakeholders. -Rona O. Dizon, CLGCFI
the Philippines in general, another webinar was

REGIONAL MSMED COUNCIL APPROVES ENDORSEMENT OF RIIC TO RDC-3

During the third quarter meeting of the Regional an approach to regional and local economic
Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development. The RIIC is seen as a driving tool to
Development Council held on September 30, the involve and engage relevant actors and stakeholders
proposed endorsement of the establishment of to help achieve inclusive and sustainable economic
the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) and growth in Central Luzon.
its adoption in the region was approved through
Resolution No. 02, Series of 2021. Through the RIICs, there will be sharing of
information, expertise and resources between and
Said resolution will be endorsed to the Regional among the government, academe and industry
Development Council (RDC) Sectoral Committee stakeholders as well as access to shared facilities
on Economic Development for deliberation and such as research and development laboratories,
adoption of the RDC-3. co-working spaces, fabrication laboratories and,
in the case of regional startups, access to capital
Region 3 is advocating inclusive innovation as investments. -Edna D. Dizon, DTI-Bulacan

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
4

CAPITAL-INTENSIVE PROJECTS STREAMING IN BULACAN

from page 1

Aside from these, three big medical facilities are also FBBP is the first pharmaceutical ecozone registered
being erected, such as the ALLIED CARE Experts under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
(ACE) Malolos Doctors Hospital and Paramount (PEZA) through a proclamation issued by President
Medical Center, both in Malolos, and Luzon Alliance Rodrigo Duterte on January 27.
Medical Center in Guiguinto.
BulacanSol
All these projects faced delay due to quarantine
restrictions that limited movements of manpower,
construction supplies and materials.

United Pulp and Paper Company

UPPC’s new investment on paper machine, waste

plant, power boiler and effluent treatment plant will
increase the company’s capacity by an additional
220,000 metric tons of high-quality industrial grade
paper (testliner board and corrugated medium)
which come from recovered and recycled paper. The BulacanSol is a 50-megawatt solar power plant
company, which is part of Siam Group of Companies developed by First Source Bulacan Solar Inc. in San
from Thailand, spent ₱8.49 billion to complete the Miguel, Bulacan. This ₱4.25 billion project is a joint
project that started in 2019. undertaking of MGen Renewable Energy Inc. and
Powersource Energy Holdings Corporation with the
First Bulacan Business Park aim of providing clean and renewable power to the
Luzon grid amid the high demand during dry period.
First Bulacan Business Park (FBBP) will be the
country’s first medical research and development Northwin Global City
(R&D) and pharmaceutical park located at Malolos
City with a project cost of ₱570 million. It is envisioned Property giant Megaworld, on the other hand, will
to be a premier ecozone that would house medical develop Northwin Global City on 85 hectares of
R&D through partnerships with the academe and land located in Marilao and Bocaue along the North
research institutions, as well as the manufacture Luzon Expressway. It is set to become Bulacan’s first-
of innovative over-the-counter and generic drug ever metropolitan hub for business and lifestyle,
products, medical instruments/equipment and characterized by its own themed commercial district,
pharma cold chain. high-rise residential condominiums, hotels, malls,
mixed-used commercial buildings, educational
institutions, and state-of-the-art office towers.

This ₱98 billion project will integrate its iTownship

with features such as installation of solar-powered
and LED streetlights, underground cabling system,
fiber optic cabling, bike lanes, storm water detention
facility for flood prevention, intermodal transport
terminal, and other sustainable infrastructure
mobility and connectivity.

INVEST DIGEST
 5

Northwin Global City is just 20 minutes away from

the proposed New Manila International Airport and
just 5 minutes away from the Philippine Arena and
will be hosting one of the stations of Manila-Clark
International Airport.

TRINX Bicycle Sport Technology Corporation

Bike exporter TRINX Bicycle Sport Technology

Corporation, a joint venture of Filipino and Chinese
companies, will put up its manufacturing plant ₱28 billion as part of the 163-kilometer North South
in Santa Maria, Bulacan. This ₱356-million bike Commuter Railway Project.
manufacturing facility will have a capacity of
producing 200,000 units of road and mountain Influx of big-ticket investments, both foreign
bikes, foldable electric bikes and other bike variants and local, is expected once the airport starts its
where 75% of the production will be exported to the operations. The airport is quietly clearing, dredging
United States and Europe, and the rest will be sold in and developing the land after project proponent San
the booming local market. Miguel Corporation (SMC) missed a groundbreaking
target in the 1st quarter of 2021. Initial operations
Infrastructure Projects like prefabrication of key components for the
project have already been contracted to overseas
Another project in the pipeline will be the Malolos- manufacturers.
Clark Railway Project that will not only spur economic
growth in Central Luzon but will also increase With the above-reported billions of investments and
connectivity and unlock commercial opportunities thousands of jobs generated, economic activities
between Metro Manila and Clark. and livelihood opportunities are created, benefitting
not only the province of Bulacan and nearby
Megawide Construction Corporation, together with provinces and cities, but the whole country as well.
its partner which bagged the project, will spend -Jerry C. Caguingin, PCEDO-Bulacan

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
6

BULACAN SEES BAMBOO AS A POTENTIAL INDUSTRY FOR DEVELOPMENT

Seeing the potential of bamboo in addressing

climate change and its commercial value in creating
more economic opportunities and employment, the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bulacan
enrolled the province in DTI’s Industry Cluster
Enhancement (ICE) program.

DTI’s ICE program aims to develop more globally

integrated, highly sustainable and productive priority
industry clusters, where bamboo was identified as
among the eight (8) clusters for micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be involved in.

On July 30, the Provincial MSME Development

Council convened a meeting and approved through
a resolution its support to the development of the
bamboo industry in the province. An Executive Trinidad (DRT) area as a possible pilot area for
Order from the Provincial Governor of Bulacan will be bamboo, noting the promotion of the area as a tourist
issued to effect the creation of the Bulacan Bamboo destination site in Bulacan. The Local Government
Industry Council and the Technical Working Group Unit of DRT, through its Municipal Environment and
that will oversee the projects of the Council. Protection Office (MENRO) and the youth sector,
have undertaken campaign initiatives to promote
Initial activities such as the identification of the bamboo propagation.
youth sector that will be engaged in the advocacy
promotion campaigns and development of DTI has also entered into a partnership with Bulacan
innovative products out of bamboo materials are State University (BulSU) in the area of skills and
being undertaken. technology development to support the promotion
and revitalization of the handicraft industry in the
DTI has initially identified the Doña Remedios province. With BulSU's research and extension
services, DTI is hopeful for the development of skills
related to bamboo.

The province is expected to attract more local MSMEs

to utilize bamboo in their production processes for
the development of more innovative products with
the institutionalization of the Bulacan Bamboo
Industry Council. Also, the industry will benefit the
province in terms of climate change mitigation
and environmental protection as more bamboo
plantations will spur in areas where bamboo is suited
to be planted. Bamboo-related stakeholders and
environmentalist non-government organizations
(NGOs) are expected to support the endeavors of the
council. -Mary Grace S.A. Reyes, DTI-Bulacan

INVEST DIGEST
 7

CENTRAL LUZON CELEBRATES WORLD BAMBOO DAY

With the theme, “Alay ng Bayan sa Inang Kalikasan,

Kawayan!”, the seven provinces of Central Luzon
joined the rest of the world in celebrating the
World Bamboo Day on September 18. The World
Bamboo Day was first celebrated in 2009 and has
been observed every 18th of September to generate
awareness about conserving and promoting the
bamboo industry.
by local bamboo councils that benefited farmers,
The month-long celebration involving government micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),
agencies and organizations in Region 3 included indigenous people (IP), and other individuals all over
tree-planting activities, skills trainings & seminars, the region.
product development programs, and expositions
and exhibits. Organizational development and The Zambales Bamboo Industry Development
strengthening activities were also conducted by the Council also took part in the celebration with
local bamboo councils within the region. the launching of Bamboo Product Showcase on
September 24 at Harbor Point Mall, Subic Bay
The simultaneous tree-planting activities that were Freeport Zone (SBFZ).
organized by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), through its National At present, bamboo is regarded as the green gold
Greening Program (NGP) offices in Aurora, Bataan, because of its increasing popularity due to its uses
Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, were and benefits, not only for the environment, but
participated in by different agencies including the also economically. As of December, DTI reported
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). ₱9.837M total amount of investments generated in
the bamboo industry in Region 3 for 2021. -Elmina
Various skills trainings and seminars were initiated A. Cruz, DTI Regional Office 3

OTOP PHILIPPINES HUB OPENS IN TARLAC PROVINCE

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Tarlac Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
Provincial Office, in partnership with CityMall and -Tarlac Chapter, Tarlac Micro Small and Medium
Tarlac Henyo Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, Enterprises (MSME) Development Council, Provincial
officially launched the One Town, One Product Government of Tarlac, Tarlac Henyo Entrepreneurs
(OTOP) Hub at CityMall SCTEX, Concepcion, Tarlac Marketing Cooperatives, and MSMEs attended the
on December 23. event to show their support to the project.

The launching was led by DTI-3 Regional Director OTOP Hub is a retail one-stop shop that showcases
Leonila T. Baluyut. In her message, she said, “One OTOP products in the different regions of the
of the directives of DTI-Region 3 is harmonization of Philippines. It gives opportunity for MSMEs to sell and
OTOP Hubs and we really need to have impact in all promote their products in the different regions. The
the things that we do.” Tarlac hub is the third one established in the region
and has 39 exhibitors, also called OTOPreneurs, from
Partners and stakeholders from the Philippine continued on page 12

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
8

BULACAN STAGES D’FAIR:

“BAYANIHAN OF BULACAN MSMES, COOPERATIVES EXPO AND EXHIBIT”
Central Luzon’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises handicrafts, fashion accessories, bags, footwears,
(MSMEs) showcased their locally-made products at ornamental plants, gift items, holiday decors, and
D’Fair Bayanihan of Bulacan MSMEs, Cooperatives other novelty products.
Expo and Exhibit held from October 30 to November
2 at Robinson’s Place, City of Malolos, Bulacan. Based on the sales report, Tatak Bulakenyo products
sold ₱356,558.00, Galing Bataan products sold
This four-day promotional trade fair was organized ₱138,990.00, while Vida Pampanga and Taas Noo
by the Provincial Government of Bulacan thru the Novo Ecijano products had a combined sale of
collaborative effort of the Provincial Cooperative ₱375,405.00.
and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO),
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department Addressing the 34 exhibitors, partners and local
of Agriculture (DA) and Robinsons Land Corporation. shoppers, Mr. Jovito Saguinsin of PCEDO said
that despite the challenges everyone has been
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando in his message experiencing for nearly 2 years now, the local and
said, “To relieve us from the effect of the pandemic, national government agencies did not stop seeking
we are continuously trying new and different ways various ways to help the small entrepreneurs. “Even
to [adapt to] the new normal like selling online thru if we are putting ourselves at risk, we are doing this
live streaming. This trade fair aims to bring back trade fair for businesses to recover,” Saguinsin said.
the dynamism and strengthen our businesses
while ensuring the health and safety of every Marketing of local products is part of PCEDO’s
stakeholder [and also] inspiring our entrepreneurs Integrated Applied Management for MSEs
through showcasing each province’s [proudly- Development Assistance Program (I AM MSE).
made] products. We are creating opportunities and Micro and start-up beneficiaries of this program
approaches to re-energize our trade and industry are prioritized to join in this kind of event and are
while keeping at pace with the challenges of [the] provided subsidies for participation fee and booth
new normal. Naniniwala po tayo na magagawa rental. They were trained on aspects of business
nating lampasan ang anumang pagsubok sa planning, production, product development,
pamamagitan ng ating pagkakaisa, pagsisikap marketing and promotion.
at tulong ng biyaya ng ating makapangyarihang
Diyos.” The Trade Fair has proven to be an effective venue to
promote and market the products of the region to
DTI Bulacan Provincial Director Edna Dizon, who local buyers and exporters. Due to the positive sales
graced the event, said that government agencies figures, PCEDO announced a repeat of the face-to-
are collaborating and synchronizing their activities face trade fair thru the upcoming Christmas Bazaar
for the best outcome of the MSMEs’ programs. She to be held from the 4th to the 20th of December.
added, “Let’s Pasa Love this Christmas despite the -Jamaica Isabel Gumafelix and Cristin Mendoza,
COVID. Pasa Love in terms of buying local, eating PCEDO-Bulacan
local and supporting local SMEs. You are the heroes
of our economy in the province.”

A total sale of Php ₱870,953.00 was generated from

the featured products such as processed foods,
furniture and home furnishings, ceramics, jewelries,

INVEST DIGEST
 9

DTI-BULACAN STRENGTHENS
INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION
EFFORTS AMIDST THE PANDEMIC
The Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) Bulacan Provincial Office continues
to collaborate and partner with various
institutional bodies, even exploring
creation of new and revitalizing non-
functional organizations, to provide
support interventions to Micro Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSMEs’ engagement and participation

DTI BULACAN PARTNERS WITH BULSU FOR THE
in policy decisions is crucial to provide PROVINCE’S MSME DEVELOPMENT
better and effective responses to
the evolving needs of the business The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bulacan
environment. By strengthening the Provincial Office, as part of its move for inclusive innovation, is
role and presence of various organized strengthening its collaborative partnership with the Bulacan
institutions in the province, the MSMEs State University (BulSU) for Micro, Small and Medium
will be able to restart, rebuild and Enterprise (MSME) development and promotion. One of the
recover. areas of cooperation in the signed Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) between DTI Bulacan and BulSU is the creation of more
With the introduction of innovations MSMEs by building entrepreneurial mindset among the youth,
and new ways of doing business, especially graduating students.
MSMEs learned to explore alternative
opportunities to rise above the On September 2021, DTI started working on the conduct of
pandemic. They are now more resilient training programs on skills and technology development,
and empowered as they see things in focused on food processing and bread and pastry making.
a better perspective. -Mary Grace S.A. BulSU facilitates the training to utilize the expertise and
Reyes, DTI-Bulacan specialization of its faculty.

The target participants of the training are the province’s Youth

Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) beneficiaries—Polytechnic
University in Pulilan and BulSU. A total of one hundred twenty
students will be trained and supported on their entrepreneurial
journeys.

DTI Bulacan sees the MOA with BulSU as a strategy that will
allow more students to appreciate entrepreneurship and
take interest in business undertakings. This will result to the
establishment of new MSMEs, expansion of existing ones
and will thereby contribute to the overall MSME development
agenda of the province. -Edna D. Dizon, DTI-Bulacan

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
10

ZAMBALES’ EXPORT PERFORMANCE RISES AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

DTI-Zambales organized an Exporters’ Forum for performance both of 2019 and 2020. The increase
exporters and allied support services on September in export performance was due to products such
24 via Zoom with the theme “Trends and Policy as electronics, gold and banana being exported to
Directions in the New Normal”. With around 50 the US, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
participants, the activity was graced by Ms. Anna One of the factors identified in having a stronger
Quito, Department Head of the Trade Facilitation and export performance is the trade preferences and
Compliance of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority agreements. AD Sykimte also talked about the
(SBMA), Assistant Director Bea Pearl Sykimte of the perfect storm like the US-China Trade War, the
Export Marketing Bureau and Mr. Benjamin Antonio strain on the supply of chips where there was a big
III, President of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of demand on electronics due to the lockdowns and
Commerce Inc. (SBFCCI). some environmental factors such as the drought in
Taiwan and cold front in Texas. She also reported
Ms. Quito reported that exports in the zone posted the expected increase on semi-conductor and
an increase from 2019 to 2021 amidst the pandemic. electronics by 7% up to year 2026, with China seen to
Year 2021 is considered a banner year with an 86% lead the electronics manufacturing.
increase from 2020 exports.
On export potentials, AD Sykimte disclosed the
In 2020, 69 new investment projects worth ₱1.22 products which have the most potential to world
billion were launched in Subic, mostly in the sectors trade, namely, smartcards, LED lamps, and office
of construction, health and wellness, logistics, and machines. She presented the total product
ICT, creating 682 new jobs. For existing locators potentials vis-a-vis actual exports and the remaining
and investors, 16 projects were expanded in the untapped exports.
areas of construction, leisure, petroleum, and
logistics amounting to a total of ₱163 million and Further, AD Sykimte revealed the key measures to
264 additional jobs. Revenues increased from ₱153 address the current challenges such as the adoption
billion in the 1st semester of 2020 to ₱166 billion in of robust sourcing strategies, building of robust
the 1st semester of this year. predictive supply chain planning and decision-
making processes, and the significant role of the
AD Sykimte presented the new export trends semi-conductor manufacturers across all industries.
and opportunities on the national scenario. Her -Cynthia V. Jaravata, DTI-Zambales
report showed how 2021 exceeded the export

OTOP PHILIPPINES HUB OPENS IN TARLAC PROVINCE

from page 9

Tarlac and other provinces. drive inclusive local economic growth. The program
enables localities and communities to determine,
Director Baluyut congratulated the MSMEs for their develop, support, and promote products or services
determination despite the pandemic. “DTI is always that are rooted in their respective local cultures,
here to assist you whether it be for packaging, new community resources, creativity, connection,
products, marketing, and linkage,” she said. and competitive advantage. It also endeavors
to capacitate the ‘OTOPreneurs’ to innovate and
OTOP Philippines is a priority stimulus program for produce market-ready products and services. -Zaida
MSMEs as government’s customized intervention to F. Garibay, DTI-Tarlac

INVEST DIGEST
 11

DTI-3 LAUNCHES 23 NEGOSYO CENTERS IN 2021

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the Department of advisory services, and

Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 continues to fulfill business information
its mandate to provide various assistance to micro, and advocacies. Other
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its services include product
network of Negosyo Centers (NCs) in the region. In development, trade
2021, despite the mobility restrictions imposed in promotion, financing
several municipalities in the region, DTI-3 was still facilitation and
able to launch additional twenty-three (23) NCs in investment promotion.
the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and
Pampanga, bringing the total number of established Existing and potential
NCs in Central Luzon to one hundred thirty-five (135). entrepreneurs may
avail the services of NC
The establishment of NCs is in line with R.A. 10644, free of charge, except
otherwise known as the Go Negosyo Act, which for Business Name
was signed into Registration which has
law by the late corresponding fee.
former President
Benigno Aquino From January to November 2021, a total of 117,733
on July 15, clients were assisted by the NCs in the region. The
2014. Thru the accomplishment is 15.04% higher compared to the
enactment of the same period last year. In addition, 3,616 Barangay
law, the national Business Micro Enterprise (BMBE) and 58,164
government Business Name Registration applications were
aims to bring processed, approved and released by Business
the services of Counselors within the prescribed time frame also
the government from the same period.
closer to MSMEs,
promote ease DTI-3 will be establishing additional NCs in the
of doing business, provide business development municipalities of Hagonoy, Bulakan and Balagtas
services and further intensify the promotion of in the province of Bulacan and an additional NC in
entrepreneurship in the country to generate more Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija to realize the agency’s
jobs and ensure inclusive growth. goal of having at least one NC for every city and
municipality in Central Luzon. -Aaron S. Galang, DTI
The MSME Development Council, thru DTI, is the Regional Office 3
coordinating and supervising body for all agencies
involved in the establishment and operation of
NCs which are strategically located in areas that
can be easily accessed by existing and potential
entrepreneurs such as in DTI provincial offices, local
government units, non-government organizations,
malls and even in the academe.

Some of the basic services provided by NCs

are business registration assistance, business

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
12

TARLAC MSMES SEEK MARKET ACCESS VIA TRADE FAIRS

In the second half of 2021, Tarlac micro, small respectively.
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) actively and
successfully participated in four (4) trade fairs with In its third year, the Tarlac Provincial Trade Fair
the aim of tapping into potential market, in addition once again featured a wide variety of food,
to serving their existing clients. fashion accessories, wearable items, holiday
decors, gift items, furniture, and home furnishing
The MSMEs participated in the One Town One manufactured by more than 70 Tarlac MSMEs.
Product (OTOP) Next Gen Trade Fair, Likha ng Central The fair also showcased the MSMEs under the
Luzon (LCL) Hybrid Trade Fair, Comprehensive Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Bamboo
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Trade Fair, and the Development Program, OTOP Next Generation
Provincial Trade Fair. Product Development Project, and MSMEs that
have conquered the international market.
The participants of the OTOP Next Gen Trade
Fair were the MSMEs that underwent product With the MSMEs considered as major economic
development sessions, while the CARP Trade Fair contributors, the government, specifically the
participants were the agrarian reform communities Department of Trade and Industry and the Provincial
with income-generating projects. The LCL Hybrid Government of Tarlac, are doing their best to help
Trade Fair and Tarlac Provincial trade fair had the the local businesses recover amidst the pandemic.
most participants with 22 and 56 MSME exhibitors, -Lunabelle A. Sison, DTI-Tarlac

DTI-TARLAC LAUNCHES SSF ON FOOD TESTING LABORATORY

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Tarlac laboratories for their food testing requirements.
Provincial Office launched a Shared Service Facility Likewise, the project is expected to contribute to the
(SSF) for Food Testing at the Lucinda Campus, Tarlac advancement of the food industry sector by making
State University (TSU) on December 23. food testing accessible to MSMEs, thereby ensuring
that their food products are of quality and up to
As cooperator, TSU, through its Food Technology industry standards.
and Research Center (FTRC), will manage the ₱4.5
million Food Testing Facility. The facility includes Starting in 2022, food MSMEs from Tarlac and
protein analyzer with complete set up digestion neighboring provinces in the region can access the
system, water distiller, Brix refractometer, Honey Brix services of this facility at a minimal cost. In Tarlac
Refractometer, Saline Refractometer, Consistometer, alone, more than 400 food manufacturers are
Portable Waterproof pH Meter, Digital Wired Probe targeted to benefit from this project. Entrepreneurs
Thermomoter, Digital Thermo-Gun, ATP Testing who are interested in utilizing the facilities can
Meter with Consumables, Water Purification coordinate with DTI-Tarlac, Negosyo Centers, or
System, Meat Fat Meter, Fish Freshness Meter, and directly to the SSF Cooperators.
Density Meter. These equipment and tools will be
used to measure and analyze the components of The awarding of the facility was led by DTI-3 Regional
food products and their nutritional value to ensure Director Leonila T. Baluyut, DTI-Tarlac Provincial
quality and safety. Director Agnes B. Ramirez, TSU Vice President for
Research and Extension Services Dr. Armee N.
With this newly-launched facility, the food MSMEs Rosel, FTRC Director Dr. Lea Milan, and the MSMEs
in the region will no longer need to go to other assisted by DTI and TSU on their Food and Drug
continued on page 15
regions and wait for a long queue in distant

INVEST DIGEST
 13

DTI-3 GWP2 SUPPORTS CL WOMEN MICRO ENTREPRENEURS

Through the Supporting Women’s Economic on Lazada, Social Media Post/Page Boosting and
Empowerment (WEE) Project, also referred to as the E-payment methods. On September 27, a workshop
GREAT Women Project 2 (GWP2), the Department on Wondershare Filmora: How to Create a Video
of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Region 3 continued to Advertisement was also conducted to train the
provide assistance to women-led enterprises, with WMEs on the use of a video editing tool. This is also
focus on the 63 enrolled Women Micro-Enterprises to increase their online engagement in social media
(WMEs) in Region 3, through various activities platforms and market their products using video
carried out in 2021. advertisements.

Among the activities that were implemented are The project also extended its assistance to non-
procurement matching between peanut processors GWP2-enrolled women entrepreneurs of the
and farmers, technology assistance through region. Assistance provided to them included the
provision of small value tools, participation of women participation to GWP2 partner agencies’ capacity
entrepreneurs in the Integrated Marketing Training building activities, link to financial loans and other
Program under the WGDP as supported by the relevant programs.
USAID under the EPESO Agreement, participation
of WMEs to local trade fairs and diskwento caravans, Monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted
and monitoring and evaluation activities. to continually assess the WMEs' situation and
possibly address their needs especially during the
Under the technology assistance, a total of forty- early period of the pandemic.
six (46) enrolled WMEs received their requested
small value tools and equipment to improve their On December 14, a culmination activity was held
production capacity and quality. The procurement to formally end the GWP2 program and to give
of said equipment worth ₱14,500 each and below recognition to the efforts of all project enablers.
from the first to third batch of WMEs from the seven WMEs of Central Luzon and project enablers from
provinces was completed on December 10. DOST-3, DA-3 and PCW Project Management
Office attended the face-to-face program which
In collaboration with GWP2 partner agencies, DTI- was simultaneously hosted via Zoom Video
3 extended assistance, through vehicle rental, Conferencing. -Roxanne S. Luis, DTI Regional Office
to the WMEs’ participation in Provincial Rolling 3
Stores, Diskwento Caravans and Local Trade Fairs as
additional opportunities to market their products,
DTI-TARLAC LAUNCHES SSF ON FOOD
generate sales, and capture institutional buyers. On TESTING LABORATORY from page 14
July 22-28, ten (10) WMEs from Bataan, Pampanga
and Nueva Ecija were subsidized by the GWP2 Administration (FDA) registrations.
that allowed them to participate in the Kadiwa ni
Ani at Kita Project cum GWP2 that was held at SM The SSF Project aims to improve the competitiveness
Megacenter Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. of MSMEs by providing them with machineries,
equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge
DTI-3, through the GWP2, encouraged WMEs under a shared system. It is being implemented
to sustain their businesses and increase their nationwide with project partners termed as
competitiveness and market reach, especially cooperators. At present, there are 27 SSF projects
on online marketing platforms. In the face of the being maintained in the Province of Tarlac. -Zaida F.
pandemic, DTI-3 provided online learning sessions Garibay, DTI-Tarlac

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
14

“ The project is a
government initiative
for the National
Broadband Plan, the
first of its kind for the
Philippines.

AURORA CABLE LANDING STATION SET TO OPERATE IN BALER from page 1

with Facebook for the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure The PLCN is a 12900-kilometer submarine cable
(LBI) project to build an “ultra high-speed connecting Hong Kong and Los Angeles, consisting
information highway” with the goal of improving the of 6 fiber pairs. PLCN is designed with Open
speed, affordability, and accessibility of broadband Cable structure and the state-of-the-air C+L band
internet in the Philippines. technology, with a capacity of 24 tbps per fiber
pair. Facebook, Google and Pacific Light Data
The LBI project is a government initiative for the Communication (PLDC) are the co-builders of the
National Broadband Plan (NBP), the first of its kind PLCN cable system. Facebook owns one dedicated
for the Philippine government to implement by fiber pair in the PLCN cable system and this is
building and operating its own submarine cable extended to the Philippines.
landing stations.
In exchange for utilizing the LBI, Facebook will
Under the agreement, BCDA builds the LBI made up provide the Philippines with a spectrum equivalent
of two cable landing stations and a 250-kilometer to at least 2 tbps, which is almost equal to the
long cable network corridor connecting the two current combined capacity of Globe and Smart
cable landing stations, the Aurora Cable Landing PLDT, the two telco giants which currently dominate
Station on the east of the Luzon Strait and the San the telecom industry in the Philippines.
Fernando Cable Landing Station on the west of the
Luzon Strait. The DICT meanwhile complements by The LBI takes advantage of the Philippine geography,
operating the LBI, maintaining related facilities and providing a bypass route for international submarine
providing last mile connectivity in the Philippines for cable owners seeking diversity from the Luzon
a period of 25 years. Strait which has a history of multiple simultaneous
submarine cable breakdowns.
Facebook will be the first to make use of the LBI.
Facebook will construct and operate the submarine The LBI project was expected to go online in 2019
cable system that will land in the said cable stations but plans were derailed because of the pandemic.
providing the company with direct connections To date, the cable landing station is waiting for
from Luzon to internet hubs in the United States the proper time to be fully operational. -Cecilia B.
and Asia. This will be made possible thru the Pacific Marino, Provincial Government of Aurora
Light Cable Network (PLCN).

INVEST DIGEST
 15

CENTRAL LUZON LGUS HAILED AS AMONG THE MOST COMPETITIVE NATIONWIDE

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Highly Urbanized Cities. Special awards were also
through its Competitiveness Bureau, held the 9th given to the Most Competitive Province and Most
Regional Competitiveness Summit on December Improved Cities and Municipalities.
14 via Facebook Live to present the results of the
2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Central Luzon has been participating in the CMCI
Index (CMCI) Data Gathering and Validation. This is Data Gathering and Validation since 2013. Through
the second time that the summit was conducted the years, Central Luzon has consistently positioned
virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. a number of LGUs in the top ranks. This year,
due recognition was given to the following local
The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and government units:
municipalities based on an overall competitiveness
score in the pillars of Economic Dynamism, BALIWAG, Bulacan: Most Competitive Municipality
Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and [1st to 2nd Class Municipalities Category]
Resiliency. Administered by the DTI, in cooperation Rank 2, Overall Competitiveness
with the Regional Competitiveness Committees, Rank 1, Infrastructure
the index serves as a diagnostic tool for the local Rank 2, Resiliency
government officials to assess the competitiveness Rank 3, Government Efficiency
of their city or municipality and identify areas for
improvement and collaboration. It may also be a BALER, Aurora: Most Competitive Municipality [3rd
significant guide for the business community in to 6th Class Municipality Category]
their investment decisions, and as take-off point for Rank 3, Overall Competitiveness
further research. Rank 3, Economic Dynamism
The following LGUs also placed in the top 10 of the
The 2021 summit highlighted the recognition and 2021 CMCI:
awarding of local government units from all over
the Philippines with exemplary performance and CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
ranking in the top three in the four pillars of the index Component Cities Category
categorized into the following classifications: 5 th
to Rank 6, Overall Competitiveness
6th Class Municipalities, 3rd to 4th Class Municipalities, Rank 5, Infrastructure
1 to 2
st nd
Class Municipalities, Component Cities, and Rank 8, Government Efficiency

BALER, Aurora
3rd to 4th Class Municipalities Category
Rank 4, Infrastructure

BALIWAG, Bulacan
1st to 2nd Class Municipalities Category
Rank 5, Economic Dynamism

SAMAL, Bataan
3rd to 4th Class Municipalities Category
Rank 8, Government Efficiency

continued on page 16

2 0 2 1 2 n d S e m e s te r
16

invest digest
CLGCFI

2021 2nd 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
9th Regional Competitiveness Summit streamed live over the CMCI Facebook Page with Ms.
Phoemela Baranda hosting the event. Contributors
Jerry C. Caguingin
Elmina A. Cruz

CENTRAL LUZON LGUS HAILED AS AMONG Edna D. Dizon

Rona O. Dizon

THE MOST COMPETITIVE NATIONWIDE

Aaron S. Galang
Zaida F. Garibay
from page 15 Jamaica Isabel Gumafelix
Cynthia V. Jaravata
Rhia C. Laxa
MARILAO, Bulacan Roxanne S. Luis
Cecilia B. Marino
1st to 2nd Class Municipalities Category Cristin Mendoza
Barry J. Pangilinan
Rank 8, Economic Dynamism Mary Grace S.A. Reyes
Lunabelle A. Sison

SANTA MARIA, Bulacan

ADVISORY BOARD
1st to 2nd Class Municipalities Category
Hon. Susan A. Yap
Rank 7, Economic Dynamism Governor, Tarlac
CLGCFI President

Hon. Gerardo A. Noveras

Governor, Aurora
SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Albert Raymond S. Garcia
3rd to 4th Class Municipalities Category Governor, Bataan

Rank 9, Most Improved Hon. Daniel R. Fernando

Governor, Bulacan

Hon. Aurelio M. Umali

Governor, Nueva Ecija
TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Dennis G. Pineda
1st to 2nd Class Municipalities Category Governor, Pampanga

Rank 10, infrastructure Hon. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.

Govenor, Zambales

Dir. Leonila T. Baluyut

Regional Director, DTI-3
ANGELES CITY
Highly Urbanized City Category
Rank 5, Most Improved SECRETARIAT
Industry Development Division
Department of Trade & Industry - Regional Office 3
Malikhain cor. Maagap Streets,
Diosdado Macapagal Government Center,
Most Competitive Province Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
2000 Philippines
Rank 7, PAMPANGA Tel: (+6345) 6259291 | Fax: (+6345) 6259607
https://www.facebook.com/DTI.CentralLuzon.IDD

Rank 10, BULACAN

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

All 130 cities and municipalities from Central Luzon participated in

the 2021 CMCI through the submission and encoding of their data
in the CMCI online portal (cmci.dti.gov.ph). Provincial rankings are
Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI) is
based on the data submission of the cities and municipalities under composed of the seven governors of Central Luzon,
DTI Undersecretary for Industry and Investments
a province. - Barry Bernabe J. Pangilinan, DTI-Regional Office and DTI-3 Regional Director.

INVEST DIGEST