Major infra projects turning Bulacan into next growth area: PCCI

MANILA — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, sees Bulacan benefiting from major infrastructure projects, specifically those that connect the province to Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon.

In a statement Monday, PCCI Chairman Emeritu Francis Chua said the completion of major infrastructure projects in the next few years will make Bulacan a viable hub for business operations.

These infrastructure projects include the Skyway Stage 3 that connects North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway, the Metro Manila Rail Transit System Line 7 (MRT-7), the Bulacan International Airport, and the Bulacan Bulk Water Project, Chua cited.

“Other than the proximity to Metro Manila, affordable land costs and adequate labor, investors are always on the lookout for provinces that are very aggressive in terms of infrastructure, and there’s a consensus among our members that Bulacan is the next growth area,” Chua said.

“We are very excited with the Skyway Stage 3 Project, especially with the usual travel time of our delivers from Metro Manila to South Luzon to be cut considerably for business locators in Bulacan and other areas in Luzon. That means lesser business cost,” he added.

He added that with the MRT-7, employees from Metro Manila might think to work or relocate in Bulacan to take advantage of the lower cost of living.

MRT-7 connects Quezon City and San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

Chua said the business is also closely monitoring the progress of the proposed Bulacan airport.

This optimism in the Bulacan is also echoed by PCCI President Alegria Sibal-Limjoco.

“Among our members, Bulacan province is high on the list of our new business locations for consideration.

It is adjacent to Metro Manila, the land costs are still low compared to MEtro Manila, and there is adequate labor and ongoing construction of vital infrastructure,” Sibal-Limjoco said.

Bulacan is the first province north of Metro Manila.