Magalang Business Council @ 4 M
AGALANG BUSI NESS COUNCIL, INC., or simply MBCI, held its fourth induction of officers and members for the business year 20172018 on August 19, 2017 at Level 3 of Casino Filipino Angeles, Balibago, Angeles City. This year’s theme was “MBCI: Complementing Metro Clark’s Economic Growth”. It was well-attended by various types of business owners within Magalang town ranging from small and medium enterprises to large scale entities. The lady mayor, Maria Lourdes Paras Lacson, did the charging and induction proper while Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Noel F. Manankil was the keynote speaker. Chairman Samuel O. Chan and President Rogelio G. Santos led the group in showcasing its business acumen as a non-government organization.
Charging
Mayor Lacson focused on the initiatives and partnership that the local government unit can offer. She emphasized on the value and importance of a business council to be a major stakeholder in dealing with policies which can contribute to the general economic agenda of her administration.
Challenge Ahead
MBCI President Rogelio G. Santos delivered his acceptance speech with sincerity and conviction. He mentioned, “for the longest time, Magalang was a silent and hibernating town which evolved from a Spanish-inspired Pueblo and eventually survived the Japanese and American colonization. It was always on the sidelines whenever an opportunity for external businesses were at hand. Perhaps it was its geographical location which hindered its potential growth and the people were satisfied with its exclusive economies but unfortunately, on smaller scales.
“Ing isipan da pu deng memalen kanitang minunang panahun, kuntentu na la keng pamag-ortelanu at aliwa pang obra keng marangle. (Townsfolk during bthe early times were contented with farming and other jobs in the ricefields).”
But now, that same mindset of its disadvantaged location becomes the very advantage when it comes to various b u si n esses. Magalang’s average elevation of 300 meters above sea level is a considerable factor on any business undertaking. It is an add-on feature especially nowadays that we are so conscious on disasters and calamities as well.
“Ada pin pu deng mapilan tamung kabalen, seselan na kamu keng lugar na ning Magalang. Matas ne, maluwalas ya pa (Some of our townmates sai d Magalang is high and wide).”
Then, he stressed on the opportunities by saying, “We are all aware of the BuildBuild-Build mantra of the national government and its clear direction towards the golden age of infrastructure until 2022. In the same manner as a business community, we are overwhelmed by the sprawling developments within Clark Freeport Zone, the Clark International Airport, the New Clark City and our neighbours Angeles and Mabalacat Cities. As of this time, there are abundant low-lying fruits around the huge tree. Spill-over industries can be catered in Magalang. We may not aspire for the high-lying bulk fruits. Still, the remaining opportunities will be more than enough to create a vibrant economic activities which will definitely benefit the business sector and the municipality as a whole. Magalang has the equally-talented work force to fill various positions. We have a state university, tourism hub and sufficient aggregates of land for various types of utilization.” Finally, he posed a challenge to every MBCI member to remain a member not just by name but by heart and keep on flaming the MBCI spirit.”
The Future of Clark
Manankil had an informative keynote presentation on the future of Clark Freeport Zone. He pointed out the importance of a business council like MBCI to advocate for pro-active approach in dealing with the overwhelming development of the Metro Clark area within the next five to ten years. (Press Release)