SUMMARY
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BATAAN, Philippines – A huge piece of land in Limay, Bataan that was exclusively for petrochemical companies will be opened for use by other industries to attract more investors and locators.
Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Jose Raymund Acol and outgoing Bataan 2nd district Rep. Albert Garcia, the governor-elect of Bataan, started the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10516 after public consultations expanding the utilization of the 530-hectare land area.
The law, approved by President Benigno Aquino III in May, opens the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC)-controlled industrial land in Lamao, Limay to energy-related companies and other economic activities.
RA 10516 maximizes the use of the land which has only accommodated 3 companies since 1995 due to its exclusivity to petrochemical plants.
Reports said the park never achieved financial and commercial viability and incurred losses totaling P1.3 billion from 1997 to 2010.
Acol said they would be able to complete the IRR next month.
Garcia, author of the measure, said in a statement sent to Rappler that “the problem of the industrial park is its own charter which had allowed only petrochemical companies to operate.”
“It was exacerbated by the low demand for petrochemical products, competition from other companies, and the huge capital needed for establishment and operation.”
“This (expansion) is a calculated move that hopefully will entice more locators to the industrial park. Of course, more locators will spur economic activity in the area, create jobs, and reverse the losing condition of the park,” Garcia explained.
“This law is the next big thing in Bataan. Very soon, energy companies and other industry players will locate in the PNOC industrial estate which means economic development for Bataan and additional jobs for the people of the province,” he added.
Other top local officials attended the public consultation including incoming 2nd district representative Enrique Garcia Jr., re-elected 1st district representative Herminia Roman, and several town mayors. – Rappler.com
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