CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Economist Bernardo Villegas has expressed optimism that Central Luzon will continue to grow, if the government sustains its measures to improve countryside infrastructure.
Speaking before the delegates of the 27th North Luzon Area Business Conference which culminated here on Friday, May 18, he highlighted that this move will boost economic growth and raise living standards by broadening sales channels for agricultural goods and creating job opportunities.
He also emphasized that with the region’s highly productive agribusiness backyard, support is needed particularly by farmers who must focus on high-value crops, noting these products have comparative advantage in the export market.
In addition, Villegas said that providing more farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities could increase the productivity of the farmers.
Apart from agriculture, the economist shared that the manufacturing and services sectors could also provide needed boost to Central Luzon’s economy. “Especially here in Pampanga where you have many economic zones,” he noted.
He then relayed that Pampanga must take advantage of its premier transportation hub, the Clark International Airport, which he foresees will become the country’s premier gateway next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and San Miguel Corporation's P700-billion proposed airport in Bulacan.
“Central Luzon will replace Metro Manila in many economic activities mainly services and real estate, and more importantly and particularly, Pampanga’s Clark International Airport will advance and NAIA will only be an auxillary airport along with the one they will construct in Bulacan,” he quipped.
He concluded that the government must pour out funds and put a lot of efforts in promoting Clark airport, as the said airport is a key component in the development and progress not only of the province but the whole Central Luzon.