CLARK FREEPORT -- The head of the 500-strong Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (Pamcham) has expressed confidence that the province and the region will continue to grow in the years ahead in light of the favorable policy and economic environment in the country.
PamCham President Jess Nicdao gave his assessment in a meeting with officers and members of the Capampangan in Media, Inc . (CAMI) at the Bale-Balita last Friday, July 28.
“Our province and region will continue to grow, with more investments coming in and more jobs available,” Nicdao said.
Nicdao said businessmen appear to be more agreeable and comfortable to the current business and economic policies of President Duterte.
At the same time, he said Pamcham has made a positive impact on the business expansion in the province as it has provided the necessary direction, support and advocacy.
“There is no doubt that Pamcham has contributed significantly to the progress obtaining in the province right now,” he said.
As this developed, Nicdao lauded Secretary Arthur P. Tugade for the transfer of the Department of Transportation office in Clark, which started last Friday.
“The move is consistent with Pamcham’s long-standing advocacy to decongest Metro Manila and we’re happy that it’s happening now,” he said.
Levy Laus, founder and chairman emeritus of PamCham, equally lauded Department of Transportation's transfer to Clark.
“This is something we have pushing for years now as part of our agenda to decongest Metro Manila, help solve the humungous traffic ad Edsa, and to save the country from incalculable losses if a huge earthquake will hit the capital region, and we’re glad that our good friend, Secretary Tugade has acted decisively in this direction,” Laus said.
Nicdao said the group has been coordinating with other government agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Provincial Government and other local government units, and private sector entities for the preparation of the province to the move to decongest Metro Manila.
“As you can see, roads and bridges are now being widened and reconfigured to accommodate the growing traffic as more business and more people travel, work or do business in Pampanga,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nicdao said federalism will be a boon both Pampanga and Central Luzon.
“We have unique advantages as a region to be more economically progressive because we have an airport in Clark and a seaport in Subic,” he said. (NCS)