The Board of Investments (BOI) and the Copper National Technical Working Group (CNTWG) have identified sites in Merida, Leyte as potential site for the establishment of the country's first ecological industrial zone that will host future downstream copper manufacturing.
Led by BOI Executive Director Ma. Corzaon Halili-Dichosa, the country's premier investment promotion agency met with the CNTWG members last Sept. 7 in Makati City to tackle the project as envisioned under the Master Development Plan (MDP) for the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone (LEIZ).
During their second meeting, the CNTWG affirmed that the crafted work plans of each Sub-Technical Working Group (STWG) are in line with the overarching goal of establishing the LEIZ.
The LEIZ, a flagship project of the BOI, is set to become the first ecological industrial zone in the country, promoting copper clustering.
The LEIZ MDP Project aims to bridge the local copper value chain and integrate the industry from mining to downstream processing, generating economic benefits not only for Leyte Province but for the entire Region VIII, as well.
During the meeting, Rolando Villasencio, the mayor of Merida, Leyte, confirmed his full support the plan, which initially identified sites in his town for industrial development and ensured its readiness for potential investors.
Additionally, the group also made sure that the STWGs were properly mobilized to lead the initiatives and on-the-ground engagements in the crucial areas of land, sector development, infrastructure and logistics, environment, and societal concerns.
The CNTWG mainly oversees the implementation of the Philippine Copper Industry Roadmap (CIR) including related projects and activities, as well as address industry concerns that hinder the industry’s development, among others.
In December 2020, the government launched the LEIZ Master Development Plan Project, which seeks to establish the nation's position in contemporary industries by developing and finalizing the Philippines copper industry supply chain in Leyte by 2030. (Ma. Joselie C. Garcia)