Faster economic development seen in Luzon thanks to new law, says Rodriguez
At A Glance
- Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is predicting the hastened economic development of Luzon due as a result of the lapsing into law of the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act.
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Facebook)
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is predicting the hastened economic development of Luzon due as a result of the lapsing into law of the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act.
Rodriguez was referring to Republic Act (RA) No. 11999, which he co-authored in Congress.
“The law will speed up the economic development not only of Bulacan but also of Central Luzon and other areas north of Metro Manila,” said the veteran solon, who hailed President Marcos for letting the measure became a law.
According to Rodriguez, the spread of economic progress in these parts of Luzon island could decongest the National Capital Region (NCR).
“I foresee migration of workers, business locators and airline passengers crowding our main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), since there will be a new airport inside the new economic zone,” he said.
The Mindanaoan urged the national government as well as the Bulacan provincial government to prepare for this eventuality by helping the Bulacan Freeport establish or add the necessary infrastructure like roads, and health, housing and similar facilities.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the proponent-builder of the new Bulacan international airport; and Central Luzon congressmen, and local officials have pushed for the enactment of the Bulacan eco zone bill.
SMC, which is also a tollroad operator, is proposing to construct a network of expressways leading to the Bulacan airport.
Under RA No.11999, the freeport shall cover the airport project and airport city development. It will be run by the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, which shall be organized within 180 days upon the effectivity of the law.
In consultation with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Freeport management shall establish the general framework for land use, planning and development for the area, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan.