TUBA, Benguet—The Philippine Economic Zone Authority is looking for a 100-hectare lot that will serve as its expansion into the nearby towns here as it readies for the influx of multinational companies that want to operate in Baguio City and its surroundings, Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan said.
Cosalan served as the guest of honor and speaker during Tuba’s 105th founding anniversary.
He said the land Peza is looking for must be free from any conflicts and claims, and has a sufficient source of potable water to help attract prospective investors wanting to operate in and around Baguio.
“The existing Peza expansion plan will definitely be a big boost to the desired economic growth of the towns that will be able to identify the available land area where investors will operate in the future,” the lawmaker said.
“We have to closely work with the concerned local governments to avail of the expansion plan which will be a major economic driver for the communities around Baguio City,” Cosalan stressed.
With the expansion, Tuba can expect more employment and livelihood opportunities, and the local government is guaranteed a 40-percent share from Peza’s operations in their area, apart from better infrastructure that will be built there.
The lawmaker said Tublay town was interested to offer the whole 100 hectares if not for its mountainous terrain. The only other towns that could offer the same space are Sablan and Tuba thanks to the national roads that go through them, Cosalan said.
Tuba, he added, has the best chance of being well developed being a gateway to Baguio and La Trinidad, and being a nexus of the four major northern roads: Kennon, Palispis-Aspiras (formerly Marcos Highway), Naguilian and the Baguio-Asin-San Pascual-Tubao, La Union road.
Cosalan called on the governments of Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay and La Trinidad to start identifying the available land area, preferably at a minimum of 50 hectares, and coordinating with Peza for their assessment.
He was confident these towns could segregate the land within their jurisdiction and help in providing additional sources of income for residents here.