The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry sees Bulacan province as the next growth area and viable business destination for investors in Luzon, with the completion of major infrastructure projects in the next five years.
PCCI chairman emeritus Francis Chua said investors should start considering Bulacan as a new location for their businesses in line with the government’s long-term plan to decongest Metro Manila and spread business and job opportunities to other areas to benefit those residing in the adjoining provinces.
“Other than proximity to Metro Manila, affordable land costs and adequate labor, investors are always on the lookout for provinces that are very aggressive in terms of infrastructure and there’s a consensus among our members that Bulacan is the next growth area,” he said.
PCCI president Bing Limjoco said Bulacan was high in the chamber’s list of new business locations.
“It is adjacent to Metro Manila, the land costs are still low compared to Metro Manila, and there is adequate labor and ongoing construction of vital infrastructure,” she said.
The province is showing promise with the ongoing construction of the Metro Manila Skyway project, the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 and the Bulacan bulkwater project.
Chua said PCCI was also closely monitoring the progress of the proposed New Manila International Airport of San Miguel Corp. in Bulakan, Bulacan.
The P735-billion airport project which was approved by the National Economic Development Authority board in April will feature a modern terminal, four runways with a provision for two more in the future, a road network, connection to MRT and ferry services.
Chua said the Skyway Stage 3 would bypass the congested road network in Metro Manila and ensure the seamless flow of goods and services from South Luzon to North Luzon, which includes the province of Bulacan.
“We are very excited with the Skyway Stage 3 project especially with the usual travel time for our deliveries from Metro Manila and South Luzon to be cut considerably for business locators in Bulacan and other areas in Luzon. That means lesser business costs,” he said.