Techno Hub soon to rise in Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — Knowing what economic zones can do to a province, the Provincial Government of Bulacan is planning to establish more of it to achieve a more progressive province.

Speaking at the recent open forum organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) at a restaurant, Barangay Tikay, here, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Arlene Pascual shared that Bulacan has already applied online for the 12-hectare land that the province owns. And the plan is, according to Pascual, is to use if for the soon-to-rise Bulacan Techno Hub – toted a huge addition to the current roster of economic zones in the province.

Group Manager Ma. Victoria Magsino of the PEZA’s Management Information System and Corporate Planning Group shared the benefits that the host local government units (LGUs) receive from PEZA eco zones such as increased employment and revenues as well as an improved standard of living.

Magsino said that out of the 376 operating eco zones as of July 2017, there are only seven in Bulacan and from those eco zones the province was able to gain an investment of P610,587 million, employed 5,978 and exported goods worth $118,721 million.

“We have the PEZA incentive of 5% from the gross income tax to eco zone developers and locators and from that, 2% is directly going to the host LGU,” Magsino said.

On behalf of Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando said that Bulacan should be ready for change and development in preparation for the future generation.

Fernando said the rapid industrialization of Bulacan can’t be prevented because the Bulacan provincial officials continues to step-up programs to meet the challenges of modern times through the use of high-technologies.

Moreover, Department Manager Emmanuel Cortero of the Eco Zone Development Department-PEZA explained the procedural guidelines for registration of eco zone developers and locator enterprises from application, PEZA evaluation, board approval, endorsement to the president, and President Proclamation to signing of registration agreement with PEZA.