De Castro hails firms ‘working silently’ to boost economy

Vice President Noli De Castro lauded business firms that are ‘working silently’ but has made significant contributions to the development of the country’s economy.

One such firm, De Castro said is the Integrated Global Low Temperature Operation (IGLO) Philippines, Inc., that inaugurated its expansion program in Pasig recently.

In a speech during the inauguration of the firm’s third expansion of its multiple temperature controlled facilities at the Manggahan Light Industrial Park in Pasig, De Castro said the country is facing a lot of challenges, some of which were brought by external development, such as the increasing prices of oil and the threat of terrorism.

The vice president also blamed the domestic squabbles which continue to hurt the economy.

But, he pointed that businesses like IGLO Phils. Inc. operate in silence and yet are doing their share to help the country rise above its economic woes.

"I thank you for looking beyond the noise and for seeing the true potential of our country and our people," De Castro said.

IGLO Phils. is a joint venture between local partners Horizons Realty Inc. and Triple Eight Holdings, Inc. owned by the Concepcion Family and by Malaysia-based IGLO International Ltd. which offers a one-stop comprehensive logistics service using state-of-the-art cold chain facilities for chilled and frozen foods as well as organic products.

In a speech before business executives led by Jose A. Concepcion III, IGLO Phils. Chairman, and Raymond De Graff, president of IGLO Phils., De Castro said the firm’s expansion is a manifestation of support for the future of the country.

As a member of the private sector, De Castro said the firm’s decision to invest locally has far reaching implications on the rest of the country, among which are the creation of jobs and employment opportunities for Filipinos, nourishment of the lifeblood of the government through the payment of taxes, and creation of a ripple effect on the economy particularly on related and allied support industries.

He urged IGLO Phils. to continue trusting the nation’s potential and to remain as an engine of the country’s economic growth. "I hope that IGLO Philippines will continue to be our partner in the development of the Philippines. Together, let us build a better future for your businesses and for our people," he said.