More investments, tourist hub eyed in new airport site
Defensor Jr.
Efforts are underway to officially study and deliberate the planned establishment of a Special Economic Zone in and around the new Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan, Iloilo.
Proposed by Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr., the matter has been referred to the Committee on Economic Affairs and Investment. Members of the 9th Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) were presented of the first endorsement yesterday with the draft resolution entered as among the agenda under the Provincial Matters.
Defensor Jr., son of former Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor took note how the State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise and provides corresponding incentives to needed investments.
"In pursuance of these policies, the government shall actively encourage, promote, induce and accelerate a sound and balanced industrial, economic and social development of the country in order to provide jobs to the people especially those in rural areas," excerpts of Defensor Jr.'s draft Resolution stated.
Under Republic Act 7916, Special Economic Zones are to be established in selected areas that are highly-developed or which have the potential to be developed into agro-industrial, industrial tourist and recreational, commercial, banking, investment and financial centers.
With the new Iloilo Airport operational, Defensor Jr. further pushes for the Special Economic Zone here saying one major criteria has already been met.
"There is a need to study the potentials of the Iloilo Airport and the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in the area," he added in the draft Resolution. "And that its use as a resource may be maximized and that it may generate revenues for the development plans, programs, objectives and priorities of the province."