US group starts $50-billion project in Zambales

IBA, Zambales, Philippines – US-based financing firm Swiss Global Connect USA has started the first phase of a massive $50-billion project package focusing on infrastructure, mining, tourism and property development in this province.

Zambales Gov. Amor D. Deloso led the groundbreaking ceremony with Swiss Global through local partner AIPAC Philippines Management Corp., represented by its president Rubina Zahid.

Deloso said the first phase involves a mass housing project in Botolan town for some 5,000 residents displaced by the series of destructive typhoons last year and the rehabilitation of the six-kilometer Bucao river dike.

He said the entire program is in accordance with the build, operate and transfer (BOT) and the build, operate and own (BOO) schemes of the government.

“The provincial government has outlined a 10-year infrastructure development program identifying the Zambales dream project which was envisioned to spur economic growth in the province,” Deloso told The STAR.

Among these priority projects are tourism and real estate development, infrastructure, agricultural research, indigenous power supply, and mineral enhancements and exploration sectors.

“I would like to thank Swiss Global Connect USA and AIPAC Philippines Management Corp. for believing in the Zambales 2020 vision,” Deloso said.

For her part, Zahid told The STAR that their company has been eyeing Zambales due to its natural beauty and topography.

Zahid added that the projects will generate substantial direct ventures through “foreign investment multiplier effect.”

She said renowned Filipino inventor Doroteo Gaerlan designed the Bucao river dike which will feature an “aqua-tech” fish pond to be built in between the walls of the dike. The top concrete surface of the dike will be the alternate access road going to the mass housing project.

Based on the unsolicited proposal unanimously approved by the provincial board in July last year, the $50-billion fund will be earmarked for the economic development projects on tourism such as San Salvador Island, Masinloc resort complex, Mt. Tapulao resort, Palauig tourism complex and the Zambales Fantasy Island in Subic town.

Among the infrastructure developments include the toll by-pass expressway linking Tarlac and Zambales via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that will traverse through the mountain ranges of Zambales and Tarlac, and the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Iba Airstrip into a domestic airport.

Deloso said the proponent will also conduct exploration on metallic and non-metallurgic minerals in areas initially identified to have substantial mineral deposits. This will involve drilling intended for the mining feasibility study, and if necessary, set up appropriate processing plant consistent with the prevailing environmental policies, laws, rules and regulations.

The project will also be involved in dredging, desilting and other forms of engineering interventions along the river channels of Maculcul, Maloma and Bucao to avoid flash-floods in nearby areas.

In San Salvador Island, a world class island tourism complex will be put up to be the next international tourism destination where visitors can experience supreme tourism facilities such as world-class hotels and restaurants, exclusive deluxe villas in the “Garden of Eden” setting, water sports and yacht clubs.

A central park carved out of a well-planned green park integrated with shopping and leisure complex, souvenir shops, zoo and ethnic village and Odeon theatre equipped with the state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment will also be built on the island resort.

The project will also have a dolphinarium and oceanarium using transport service powered by electric car to ensure an eco-friendly environment within the island resort to maintain its current marine-life sanctuary condition.

In the Mt. Tapulao Complex, an integrated and sustainable eco-tourism complex will rise, promoting ‘green and blue tourism’ in mountain to rival Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, and its coastal area comparable to Boracay Island.

Some of the features of the tourism development include hotels and condominium, shopping centers and restaurants, recreation and fitness centers, golf course and sports centers, and marina park. For nature lovers, trekking and camping areas, mountain recreation parks with view decks and mountain resort will all be built in Mt. Tapulao.

Meanwhile, the Zambales Fantasy Island in Subic will be patterned after the internationally known Oceanside resort, integrating cultural, historical and medical tourism facilities. The project will also feature the latest design and technology concepts on a world-class tourism complex that is environmental friendly.

Features of the Ocean Fantasia include a five-star hotel and condominium, water park and ocean recreation sports center, ocean pension facilities offering underwater photography, specialized restaurants serving Asian and international cuisines. A port facility for cruise ships and yachts will be built with cable cars and golf course.

Another project in the pipeline is a new real estate development in a 620-hectare idle land in Bgy. Cawag in Subic, Zambales to transform the area into a financial district, educational and learning center, with executive housing, parks, hotels, convention center and state-of-the-art hospitals.

Also, the province is eyeing a state-of-the-art agricultural research center on a with possible tie-up with Ramon Magsaysay Memorial State University (RMMSU) for a research and development center.

The center will be equipped with modern laboratory apparatus and machineries for agricultural research to develop and produce high variety of seeds of traditional crops such as rice, corn, mangoes and orchard to increase productivity.

Another involves the conversion of magnesium energy into alternative source of energy. This will involve the allocation of a shoreline area with at least 64-hectares for the construction of a facility to convert magnesium energy into an alternative and affordable power supply for the province of Zambales, as well as meeting the power requirements of all of those tourism and real estate developments.