Senatorial candidate Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Friday expressed belief that Central Luzon holds a unique position in the country’s infrastructure development.
In a statement, Ejercito said major infrastructure projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and New Clark International Airport Terminal will serve as “catalysts for growth” in Central Luzon.
As such, the senatorial bet, who is running under the Sen. Panfilo Lacson-Senate President Vicente Sotto III tandem, said it will pave the way for the creation of additional jobs and other investment opportunities in Region III.
“Central Luzon will become a new growth area with all the infrastructure development in full steam,” Ejercito said in a statement.
Central Luzon comprises the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, more than 12 million people reside in the region as of 2020.
Due to its proximity to Metro Manila and its vast agricultural lands, the region is also home to many industrial centers and special economic zones.
Ejercito, who is seeking a fresh Senate term in the upcoming May 2022 elections, is expected to make rounds around Central Luzon in the coming weeks.
Should he return to the Senate, Ejercito said he will push for a Comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan that would guide the country’s long-term infrastructure program and spread development beyond its urban centers.
“This master plan will serve as a blueprint for major infrastructure projects in the country that would be in operation for decades, regardless who will sit as President,” he said.
“This will serve as the country’s blueprint for infrastructure development and transportation modernization for the next 50 to 100 years,” Ejercito stressed.