House bodies okay special ecozone in Ilocos Sur

MANILA, Philippines - Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson yesterday announced the approval by two House committees of his pet legislative measure calling for the establishment of a  special economic zone and freeport in Ilocos Sur.

Singson said the House committees on economic affairs and trade and industry, in a joint meeeting, recently passed House Bill 15 also known as Ilocos Sur Economic Zone and Freeport Act of 2013 that aims to attract foreign investors to  the northern province.

The congressman said that the planned ecozone and freeport will generate thousands of jobs for Ilocanos and boost the economic development of the province.

He sounded upbeat on the bill’s eventual passage by both houses of Congress saying the measure is very much awaited by people in his province and in the North Luzon growth quadrangle region and would serve as a vehicle for progress and  economic strides in the northern provinces.

Singson said several locators have expressed interest in putting up factories amid other business  undetakings in the projected ecozone. These include IT-related businesses and ship building activities.

The freeport would be based at the historic Port of Salomague in Cabugao town, a natural cove that has been serving as a safe haven for ocean-going vessels during storms and other disasters when  the seas are not safe for travel. 

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, the congressman’s father, had earlier developed the port and made it accessible and viable for international shipping operations.   

Chavit’s successor, incumbent Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Vice Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, board members and other local officials have expressed full support to the freeport and ecozone undertaking. The provincial board earlier passed a resolution urging Congress to enact the bill.