Senator Joel Villanueva today declared that the province of Bulacan is fully prepared to emerge as a strategic economic powerhouse in the Philippines, citing its robust and diverse economy, highly skilled workforce, and unparalleled access to the free ports of Subic and Bataan.
“Bulacan is a natural extension of Metro Manila going to the north. The rails are coming, the airport is being constructed, and more roads are being built. Development has nowhere to go but Bulacan,” Senator Villanueva, a proud son of the province, emphasized.
The Senator highlighted Bulacan’s immense potential to host a significant portion of the food security projects recently approved by the Board of Investments (BOI). As of end-June this year, 31 projects, valued at approximately P18.7 billion and projected to generate 7,000 jobs, have been granted Green Lane certifications. This initiative, established through an executive order, is designed to streamline and expedite government approval processes for strategic investments. Among the projects suitable for Bulacan, according to Villanueva, are modern breeder farms, a coconut processing facility, and a cold storage facility.
Bulacan’s economic strength is already evident. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that in 2023, Bulacan boasted the fourth-largest economy outside Metro Manila, contributing a substantial P631.64 billion to the national gross domestic product.
Furthermore, the province plays a crucial role in the Central Luzon (CL) Region, which stands as the country’s largest producer of rice and livestock. In 2021, Bulacan’s palay production reached 387,699 metric tons, ranking fourth within the CL Region, as per the 2022 CL Regional Social and Economic Trend. The province also secured the third spot in regional hog production in 2021, with 21,597 heads.
Beyond its agricultural prowess, Bulacan holds significant promise for expanded cold storage facilities catering to aquaculture products like prawn, crabs, and milkfish for both domestic consumption and export. The province is also renowned for its gold processing industry, producing exquisite jewelry.
Senator Villanueva urged the Bulacan local government to proactively prepare for the anticipated surge in investments by continuously upskilling its workforce and priming local businesses for a more competitive economic landscape.
“All hands should be on deck, from the local government to the academe, the business sector, and other stakeholders. We want to show we are ready for every opportunity,” Villanueva concluded.
