Central Luzon governors seek more investments

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — Seven governors have organized the first Central Luzon Expo to lure more trade, tourism projects and investments to the region north of Metro Manila.

Their group, the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), has set the promotion and marketing event on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Asean Convention Center here.

“Collectively, we want to bring more opportunities in Central Luzon,” said Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, CLGCFI president.

The group was formed 12 years ago and, with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), helped local governments improve their systems and processes in issuing business licenses.

New investments in the region from January to July reached P29.3 billion, DTI records showed.

Yap said there should be growth in trade, tourism and investment because transportation had improved through the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando said the airport being built by San Miguel Corp. in the province was expected to create a million jobs for residents.

—Tonette Orejas