BOCAUE, Bulacan — The province of Bulacan is positioning itself as a future strategic economic hub for the Philippines, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Villanueva pointed to Bulacan’s diverse economy, skilled labor force, and enhanced access to free ports in Subic and Bataan as key factors in its rising economic potential.

The Bulakeño senator, who hails from this town, said, “It’s a natural extension of Metro Manila going to the north. The rails are coming, the airport is being constructed, more roads are being built. Development has nowhere to go but Bulacan.”

He emphasized Bulacan’s capacity to host several food security projects recently approved by the Board of Investments, including modern breeder farms, a coconut processing plant, and a cold storage facility — all of which can be situated in the province.

These 31 strategic investments, which have received Green Lane certifications, are valued at approximately P18.7 billion and are projected to generate thousands of job opportunities.

The Green Lane system was established through an executive order to streamline, expedite, and automate government processes for approving and registering strategic investments.

Villanueva encouraged the local government to prepare for the influx of investment by upskilling its workforce and readying local businesses for a more competitive landscape.

“All hands should be on deck, from the local government, to the academe, the business sector, and other stakeholders. We want to show we are ready for every opportunity,” Villanueva noted.

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