Oriental Mindoro gears up for faster economic growth

MANILA, Philippines - Oriental Mindoro is gearing up to accelerate its bid to become a top destination for tourists and investors as it rolls out projects that will further develop and optimize the vast potentials of the province, according to Gov. Alfonso V. Umali Jr.

Oriental Mindoro is best known for Puerto Galera, a beach popular among foreign and domestic tourists, but Umali said they aim to develop other tourist spots considering that the province has many more things to offer to tourists and travelers.

He cited the Boracay-like Bulalacao beach with its pristine white sand, and the beauty and potential of Naujan Lake. Surrounded by four communities, the lake can be developed as a retirement haven.

“We plan to build a retirement village in the area. We can take advantage of geothermal (energy) that is available in Naujan Lake. We’re looking at constructing a spa there,” said Umali.

The governor said they also want to exploit Oriental Mindoro’s agricultural potentials. The province is one of the country’s major producers of palay, fresh fruits and vegetables. He noted one of the plans of the provincial government is to establish an agro-industrial processing zone in the province.

Umali said they hope to further spur economic growth of the province with the construction of a nine-kilometer toll bridge that will connect Mindoro to Batangas via Isla Verde.

“Easily, the bridge would cost about P2 billion per kilometer. We’re looking at approaching Japan and China for possible funding,” he pointed out.

Umali said the provincial government will continue to be supportive of businesses through business-friendly polices. He noted that Calapan City, the provincial capital, is now considered as one of the most business-friendly cities in the Philippines.

He also cited the growth of home-grown Calapan Ventures Inc. (CVI) as a testament to what the province can offer to aspiring entrepreneurs. CVI recently went public and raised more than almost P100 million to fund its expansion and bring potable water to more barangays in the province.

“The initial public offering of Calapan Ventures is welcome news. Their example shows the potential of Oriental Mindoro,” Umali stressed.