More ecozones needed, says Manong Chavit
'Our country is full of potential, but the bottleneck caused by government inefficiencies often holds us back from realizing our full economic potential'
Senatorial candidate Luis 'Manong Chavit' Singson shows to the media the special economic zone he owns in South Korea, citing that his formula for business would be beneficial for the country in boosting the economy. The renowned businessman is at a press conference in Clark Freeport on Thursday.
Photograph by Jonas Reyes for the daily tribune
Clark Freeport — Senatorial candidate Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson is seeking to establish more ecozones in the area as part of his advocacy of making the Philippines one of the economic powers in Asia.
In his remarks at the Choi Garden Park PH, Singson disclosed that the creation of ecozones in the Philippines would further boost the number of businesses investing in the country and would lessen the bureaucracy.
He recalled that he once proposed to create an economic zone in Ilocos Sur but it was not supported by the government. However, the economic zones he established in South Korea is currently flourishing and providing more jobs to Filipinos.
This comes as he signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the K-Beauty Industrial Complex in Incheon, which serves as a hub for the creation of beauty and aesthetic products.
The K-Beauty Industrial Complex will focus on research, production, and trade, creating a space for growth and innovation within the beauty sector. By aligning with South Korea’s advanced cosmetics industry, Singson aims to equip the Philippine workforce with skills that are competitive globally.
The former Ilocos Sur governor — who is Number 58 in the Senate ballot — said that ecozones are engines for economic growth and job creation, citing that the country is full of potential but has been plagued with bureaucracy, red tape and corruption.
“Our country is full of potential, but the bottleneck caused by government inefficiencies often holds us back from realizing our full economic potential,” Singson said, adding that amid the obstacles, he is determined to push for reforms that will streamline processes and attract investments.
Singson — whose slogan is “May Isang Salita” — has also addressed pressing issues like unemployment and the challenges posed by the PUV Modernization Act. With the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, he pledged to support transport cooperatives with funding to transition to electric vehicles.
In addition to supporting the transport sector, Singson announced the launch of “VBank,” an initiative aimed at increasing financial inclusion across the country. VBank will allow more Filipinos to access banking services, including debit and credit cards, especially in underserved communities.
The platform will also serve as a payment option for modernized PUVs and a tool for the proposed “Chavit 500” initiative, designed to provide financial aid to lower-income families and small businesses.