CITY OF MALOLOS – Delegates from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ)received a warm welcome from the Provincial Government of Bulacan during their Economic Mission, themed “Exploring Synergies, Building Strategic Partnership,” held earlier today at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Session Hall here.
Composed of Japanese business leaders and company owners, the delegation, headed by PCCIJ Chairman Allan Reyes, visited Bulacan to explore potential investment opportunities wherein discussions on possible business collaborations in the province were joined by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and its member companies, and local partners, including San Miguel Corporation and Elsal Ventures.
Bulacan’s robust economic landscape and development initiatives were underscored through the “Invest Bulacan” and “A Glimpse of Bulacan” audiovisual materials. Engr. Randy H. Po, OIC-Department Head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, presented the materials, which highlighted the province’s significant investment potential.
Further accelerating Bulacan’s economic progress are major infrastructure projects, including the New Manila International Airport, an overview of which was presented by San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure’s Chief Finance Officer and Treasury Head Raoul C. Romulo.
Additionally, BCCI President Corina Bautista discussed the chamber’s key programs, milestones, and possible areas of collaboration with the Japanese investors.
In his message, Fernando assured the delegates that their visit would be worthwhile, emphasizing the Provincial Government’s continuous effort to strengthen public-private partnerships to create more opportunities for all Bulakenyos.
“Hindi na po isang pangarap na lamang ang maging ‘Investment Powerhouse’ ang Bulacan,” the governor said. “With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and skilled workforce along with the unwavering support of the Provincial Government, Bulacan continues to attract numerous local and international investors, solidifying its status as a premier business destination in the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Chairman Reyes expressed optimism about a strong potential partnership between Japan and the Philippines, envisioning great possibilities when Japan’s technological precision merges with Filipino engineering excellence. He affirmed that the two nations are ideal partners and conveyed his commitment to making that collaboration a reality.
Reyes further emphasized that the PCCIJ delegation did not come merely as observers or guests, but as friends and potentially as future partners and collaborators with eagerness to learn more about Bulacan’s rich history and the craftsmanship that drives its industries.
“We are here for a short while, but I hope that in just short visit, we can connect heart to heart and we can still find time to plant seeds so that we can build our Tokyo Banana here,” Reyes said, referring to the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo as a symbol of the stronger and broader partnership envisioned between Japan and the Philippines in the years to come.
Also present during the PCCIJ Economic Mission were DTI Regional Director Edna D. Dizon; Cristina C. Tuzon, PCCI Regional Governor for Northern Luzon; Maria Cristina V. Valenzuela, OIC-Provincial Director of DTI Bulacan; Atty. Mikee Rosales of San Miguel Corporation, PGB department heads led by Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino and other local business owners and representatives.
Following the forum, PCCIJ delegates were treated to a Heritage Tour featuring Bulacan’s iconic landmarks, including the Pasalubong Center, Barasoain Church, Casa Real Shrine, and Palacio Real de Sto. Niño, highlighting the province’s rich history and culture that complements its modern economic growth.
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