Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando reaffirmed the province’s commitment to contributing to the development of Central Luzon into a "Super Region" during the Fourth Quarter Meeting of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) on Monday, October 14.
Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) Treasurer and Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando delivers his welcome address before the members, partners, and guests headed by its President and Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap
during the 4th Quarter Meeting held at the Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos,
Bulacan last Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Also in the photo are Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Edna D. Dizon; Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro; Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Officer Atty. Jayric L. Amil; OIC-ARD Elenita R. Ordonio of DTI-3; OIC-Provincial Director Maria Cristina V. Valenzuela of Bulacan; OIC-PD Florencia Balilo of Tarlac; PD Eileen Ocampo of Zambales of DTI; Investment Promotion Officers (IPOs) from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and some employees of the Provincial Government of Bulacan among others. (Photo courtesy of PPAO)
The event, held at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos City, gathered members, partners, and guests, including CLGCFI President and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap.
In his address, Fernando emphasized that Central Luzon is evolving beyond its traditional role as the rice granary of the Philippines, positioning itself as a dynamic hub and economic powerhouse.
The governor highlighted several key infrastructure projects in the region, including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7, and the New Manila International Airport, as instruments in driving transformation.
Fernando also stressed the importance of addressing regional challenges such as flooding, disasters, and waste management, noting that the construction of water-impounding facilities, waste-to-energy plants, and the dredging of rivers and creeks are priorities in Bulacan.
"Becoming part of the Super Region will be futile if we are plagued by these issues," Fernando said.
Governor Yap echoed Fernando's sentiments, highlighting Bulacan’s strength in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agriculture. She emphasized the need for balanced development that also protects the environment.
Following the meeting, CLGCFI members visited the Bulacan Packaging Service and Toll Packing Center (BPSTPC).
As the first packaging facility operated by a local government, the BPSTPC serves as a model for other localities.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Edna D. Dizon explained that the center would enable MSMEs' One Town, One Product (OTOP) offerings to penetrate the global market, taking advantage of the free trade agreements.
Fernando’s initiatives, along with ongoing collaborations with neighboring provinces, are set to bolster Central Luzon’s rise as a super region, focusing on sustainable development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.