President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would soon present a “strong case” for Palawan as a potential destination for investments during his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday.
Marcos mentioned Palawan while discussing the expansion of economic zones and the government’s efforts to attract foreign investments and develop strategic industries beyond Metro Manila.
“Our productive ecozones lay down the fertile groundwork that brings these investments into actual fruition, posting consistent growth rates over the past three years,” Marcos said.
He noted that the government had expanded its investment push beyond the capital, citing the recent proclamation of new economic areas in Dumaguete and Misamis Oriental.
“Extending beyond Metro Manila — from Luzon to Mindanao — promising new areas have been recently proclaimed, such as in Dumaguete and Misamis Oriental,” he said.
“And soon, we’ll also present a strong case for Palawan and for the Halal industry,” Marcos added.
The President did not provide details on the specific investment projects, industries or areas in Palawan that would be covered by the planned proposal.
The announcement came as Marcos highlighted the administration’s efforts to attract investments through policies promoting ease of doing business and digital transformation.
“Foreign investments continue to pour in because of our beneficial policies, especially those promoting ease of doing business and accelerating digital transformation that curb red tape and corruption,” he said.
Over the past three years, more than P6 trillion in investments have been facilitated through the government’s Green Lanes, which are estimated to generate more than 400,000 jobs, according to Marcos.
He also said the government was pursuing strategic and emerging industries in pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology and logistics.
“Additionally, a product of the 23-member strong and US-led Pax Silica Initiative, the Pax Silica Industrial Hub will create an eco-system that will have AI at its core. It will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” Marcos said.
For Palawan, the President’s statement signals a potential push to position the province for greater participation in the country’s investment and economic development plans, although the administration has yet to disclose the specific projects or sectors it intends to pursue.
The province has previously been identified as having potential in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, renewable energy and other emerging industries. However, the details of the “strong case” that the government plans to present for Palawan remain to be announced.
