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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan eyed as investment haven for Japanese businessmen

Bulacan eyed as investment haven for Japanese businessmen

Published Oct 24, 2025 02:13 pm
Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, together with the officials and delegates from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ) headed by Chairman Allan C. Reyes (beside Fernando) during their Economic Mission to Bulacan held at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Session Hall, Provincial Capitol Building, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. In the photo are the PCCIJ delegates including (first row, L-R) Takaaki Nakata; Yoshikazu Tsuzuku; Roderick Enriquez, Vice Chairman of PCCIJ; Tsukasa Takahashi, also the Vice Chairman of PCCIJ; Yoshinori Ohwa; Cristin Villacota; Hirokazu Iwahashi; (2nd row, R-L) Masayuki Mukaiyama; Kazuyo Ohwa; Hiroyuki Mitsuhashi; Chikako Kajitani, Secretariat of PCCIJ; Jason Jiao, Nishimura and Asahi Partner, and Eiichiro Goto. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, together with the officials and delegates from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ) headed by Chairman Allan C. Reyes (beside Fernando) during their Economic Mission to Bulacan held at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Session Hall, Provincial Capitol Building, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. In the photo are the PCCIJ delegates including (first row, L-R) Takaaki Nakata; Yoshikazu Tsuzuku; Roderick Enriquez, Vice Chairman of PCCIJ; Tsukasa Takahashi, also the Vice Chairman of PCCIJ; Yoshinori Ohwa; Cristin Villacota; Hirokazu Iwahashi; (2nd row, R-L) Masayuki Mukaiyama; Kazuyo Ohwa; Hiroyuki Mitsuhashi; Chikako Kajitani, Secretariat of PCCIJ; Jason Jiao, Nishimura and Asahi Partner, and Eiichiro Goto. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ) Chairman Allan Reyes announced a strong potential partnership between Japan and the Philippines in the Province of Bulacan, merging Japan’s technological precision with Filipino engineering excellence.
"We are here for a short while, but I hope that in just a short visit, we can connect heart to heart and we can still find time to plant seeds so that we can build our Tokyo Banana here," Reyes said, referring to the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo as a symbol of the stronger and broader partnership envisioned between Japan and the Philippines in the years to come.
During the PCCIJ’s economic mission to Bulacan which carried the theme: "Exploring Synergies, Building Strategic Partnership," Reyes affirmed that the two nations are ideal partners and conveyed his commitment to making the partnership become even more robust.
PCCIJ delegates were warmly received by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and its member companies, and local partners, including San Miguel Corporation and Elsal Ventures, at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Session Hall in the City of Malolos on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The Japanese business leaders and company owners visited Bulacan to explore potential investment opportunities.
Bulacan's robust economic landscape and development initiatives were underscored through the "Invest Bulacan" and "A Glimpse of Bulacan" audiovisual materials. Engineer Randy H. Po, OIC-Department Head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, presented the materials, which highlighted the province's significant investment potential.
Further accelerating Bulacan’s economic progress are major infrastructure projects, including the New Manila International Airport, an overview of which was presented by San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure’s Chief Finance Officer and Treasury Head Raoul C. Romulo.
Additionally, BCCI President Corina Bautista discussed the chamber's key programs, milestones, and possible areas of collaboration with the Japanese investors.
In his message, Fernando assured the delegates that the Provincial Government continues to strengthen public-private partnerships to create more opportunities for Bulakenyos.
"Hindi na po isang pangarap na lamang ang maging 'Investment Powerhouse' ang Bulacan," (Bulacan turning into an investment powerhouse is no longer just a dream.) "With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and skilled workforce along with the unwavering support of the Provincial Government, Bulacan continues to attract numerous local and international investors, solidifying its status as a premier business destination in the Philippines," the governor said.
Reyes further emphasized that the PCCIJ delegation did not come merely as observers or guests, but as friends and potentially as future partners and collaborators with eagerness to learn more about Bulacan’s rich history and the craftsmanship that drives its industries.
"We are here for a short while, but I hope that in just short visit, we can connect heart to heart and we can still find time to plant seeds so that we can build our Tokyo Banana here," Reyes said, referring to the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo as a symbol of the stronger and broader partnership envisioned between Japan and the Philippines in the years to come.
Also present during the PCCIJ Economic Mission were DTI Regional Director Edna D. Dizon; Cristina C. Tuzon, PCCI Regional Governor for Northern Luzon; Maria Cristina V. Valenzuela, OIC-Provincial Director of DTI Bulacan; Attorney Mikee Rosales of San Miguel Corporation, PGB department heads led by Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino and other local business owners and representatives.

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