Traders’ group exec sees more growth ahead

CLARK FREEPORT — The head of the 500strong Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) has expressed confidence that the province and the region will continue to grow in the years ahead in light of the favorable policy and economic environment in the country.

PamCham President Jess Nicdao gave his assessment in a meeting with officers and members of the Capampangan in Media, Inc . (CAMI) at the Bale-Balita here last Friday.

“Our province and region will continue to grow, with more investments coming in and more jobs available,” Nicdao said.

Nicdao said businessmen appear to be more agreeable and comfortable to the current business and economic policies of President Duterte.

At the same time, he said PamCham has made a positive impact on the business expansion in the province as it has provided the necessary direction, support and advocacy.

“There is no doubt that PamCham has contributed significantly to the progress obtaining in the province right now,” he said.

The governor said the move will also give Clark and provincial officials to resolve the differences between the Aeta groups involved in the quarry operations.

Pineda said the CDC and the provincial government will seek the guidance of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) national office to determine and recognize the true representatives of the Aeta groups.

The governor said when the rightful leader is identified by the NCIP, the CDC could readily give the P14million income intended for the Aetas representing the 20 percent revenues derived from the use of the ancestral domain in quarry operations.

Dizon, for his part, said there is a need to resolve the conflict between the Aeta groups in Mabalacat City regarding the entitlement of the vast ancestral domain utilized for quarry activities.

Dizon said there is also a need to ensure the sustainability of the quarry operations without putting at risk the whole economic zone.

He believed that the Sacobia subzone could produce more income when it is fully developed aside from quarrying activities.

It was learned that Mabalacat City is the second highest next to Porac town when it comes to income from quarry activities.

Dizon expressed his gratitude to the governor for her efforts to end the differences among the group of Aetas, CDC and the local government.

“Ang pinaka issue dito ay ang kapakanan ng mga Aetas. Sila dapat ang nakikinabang dito sa resources sa Sacobia area,” Dizon said.

At present, the provincial government under the Pineda administration recorded a total of P2.1 billion in quarry collections alone since 2010.