225-hectare export processing zone to rise in Davao del Sur

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur–A P1.8-billion export processing zone, touted to become the country’s largest when finished, will rise here at the start of 2013.

Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said the provincial and the town government chipped in to fund the facility, which will be built on a 225-hectare piece of land in Barangay Tagabuli here, which was acquired from a local businessman.

Lopez said the land will be divided, according to the masterplan, into sectors.

A 150-hectare portion was identified for industrial use while another 50 hectares will be for commercial use. Twenty hectares will accommodate facilities for common services, he said.

The export processing zone, he said, will also incorporate a housing facility, which will be built on the remaining 8-hectare area.

“The facility will be offered for lease to interested businessmen,” he said.

Lopez said they were optimistic about the success of the project because many locators are interested in coming in.

“It is better to put them in one place, which will be more convenient for them,” he said, adding that the town enjoys stable power, good water supply and telecommunication facilities.

Currently, this town plays hosts to a number of industries, including desiccated coconut manufacturer Franklin baker, Banana chips exporter GSL Foods, beer giant San Miguel Brewery Corp. and power generator Aboitiz Power’s Hedcor.

Lopez said the project would not only generate more taxes and revenues for the local government but will also generate more employment opportunities.