550-hectare ecozone in 3 LGUs pushed

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Development Council has proposed a 550-hectare economic zone stretching from Talisay City to Minglanilla town and Naga City.

The PDC has endorsed Wednesday to the Central Visayas Regional Development Council a feasibility study of its proposal for funding next year.

The proposed economic zone aims to disperse populace from major cities and promote economic growth in municipalities and cities within Metro Cebu area to achieve Polycentric Urban Development.

Cebu is reportedly a hub for export, information technology, business process outsourcing, and other industries that cater not only the populace and businesses within its territorial jurisdiction but extends to other provinces in the region.

The rapid economic growth of Cebu and the massive influx of populace to the present export processing zones and commercial and business districts has caused congestion and uneven distribution of population among municipalities and cities within Metro Cebu.

With this, the PDC saw the need to decongest highly urbanized areas and support the development of other developing municipalities and cities in line with the provincial government’s adaptation of a Polycentric Urban Development.

The resolution duly signed by PDC chairperson Governor Hilario Davide III will be submitted to the RDC-7 for consideration and appropriate action. — Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (FREEMAN)