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Partner in Growth |
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The North Quad is full of potential and exciting investment opportunities. A master plan for the region envisions the area as an industrial, financial, and tourist haven. There are four growth nodes n the North Quad: Quad North (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra); Quad Central (La Union); Quad South (Pangasinan); and Quad East (Southern Benguet/BLIST). Each growth node includes 1) an infrastructure base, 2) an industrial zone, 3) an agricultural area, and 4) tourism center. Although most projects are specific in nature, others are undertaken over the entire North Quad area. For instance, Livestock and Vegetable Market Development, Industrial Training and Manpower Development, Regional Telecommunications Development, and Tourism Investments Promotion Projects all share Quadwide importance.
STRENGTHENING THE INFRASTRUCTURE BASE Among the major infrastructure projects in the North Quad are the expansion and improvement of existing airports. Improvement in the he San Fernando Airport in La union will transform it into the :Air Transport Hub of Northwestern Luzon". The Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte is adding a new passenger terminal that will accommodate more international flights. Additional tourist and business inflows, as well as increased cargo handling facilities from nearby agri-industrial zones will easily be accommodated. The improvements and expansion of seaports in Sual, Pangasinan; Sn Fernando City; and Currimao, Ilocos Norte are other attractive infrastructure development projects. The projected increase in tourist activities and agri-industrial cargo that is expected to pass through the ports will sustain the viability of the projects. Other infrastructure projects for the region include rehabilitation, repair, and development of power, water and telecommunication facilities. Additional power generating plants and water reservoirs will augment the current power and water capacities of the region. Rehabilitation of the existing rail and road networks will improve access to and from major supply and distribution points throughout the North Quad. BUILDING AGRI-INDUSTRIAL ECONOMIES The provinces of the North Quad are still basically agricultural in nature. With improved agricultural productivity and better use of its raw material base for developing industrial activity, the entire region stands to benefit from an economic upsurge. The Bacnotan Regional Agri-Industrial Growth center in La Union will serve as the regional center for raw materials and markets in the North Quad. It will be developed into a prime agri-industrial estate on 250 hectares of land. It is located long a national highway, 45 minutes away from the San Fernando Airport and Seaport, ideal for export-oriented industries. The Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone is located in Poro Point, La Union. It will be the site of a light industrial-commercial-tourism estate covering a total land area of 300 hectares. The proposed Abra Special Economic Zone will be situated in the 35-hectare facility of the former Cellophil Resources Corporation in Tayum, less than an hour’s drive from Bangued, Abra’s capital. Located right next to the Abra river, the site already has existing facilities such as standard factory buildings, staffhouse, warehouses, pulp and paper mills, and a powerhouse. Processing centers, tourist and recreational facilities in the proposed Special Zone will maximize the rich natural resources of Abra. Other growth centers and special economic zones are being developed throughout the North Quad. Examples of these are the Benguet Provincial Agri-Industrial Center, Currimao Agri-Industrial Zone, Laoag City Economic Zone, among others. These economic zones will have complete urban amenities and infrastructure close to international airports and seaports. The North Quad region is based with a large number of natural and man-made tourist attractions. Approximately 974,029 people, or more than 30% ofd all tourists in year 1996, indicated the North Quad as their primary destination in the Philippines. Tourists flock to the white sand beaches, mountain trails, hot springs, rice terraces, and golf courses in the region. The cool mountainous BLIST area will host the Asin Tourism Cluster, Cordillera Heritage Village, and the West Itogon Countryside park. The Asin Hot Springs and Ifugao Wood Carving Village which lie 16 kilometers away from the city of Baguio, attracts many tourists. The Cordillera Heritage Village will contain miniature structures of the region’s various tourist sites. The West Itogon Countryside Park features a man-made lake created with the construction of the Binga Dam. It is a watershed area where tourists can go hiking, camping, or fishing. The Vigan Heritage Village and Tourism Complex in Ilocos Sur will develop Vigan into a basic tourist destination. Vigan boasts of 16th to 19th century homes and plazas reminiscent of the Spanish era. The Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan is a natural attraction of coral islets jutting out of the water. Small white-sand strips are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. This is also a popular site for seminars and conventions. Also in Pangasinan is the Bolinao Tourism Estate and Retirement Village. Located about one hour away from the provincial capital of Lingayen, the Estate lies along the western side of Pangasinan. The site features a two and one-half kilometer coastline with golden sand beaches. To retiring East Asians, Bolinao promises a warm climate, a calm environment, and an exotic setting complete with a world-class sports complex and golf courses. The longest white sand coastline in the Philippines is found in the northern coast of Pagudpud and Bangui. These areas are ideal beach destination which will be highlighted with international quality standard resort facilities.
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