VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) - The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of its Agro-Industrial Economic and Processing Zone and Knowledge, Innovations Science and Technology Center on May 25, Thursday.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Rommel R. Serrano graced the event together with CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Governor Joseph C. Cua, Congressman Eulogio R. Rodriguez, Regional Directors of National Government Agencies, local officials, and CatSU staff.
In his message, Azanza expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in turning a collective dream into a reality. He said that the establishment of an economic zone is the key to unlocking the full potential of Virac and the entire province of Catanduanes.
Azanza emphasized that the economic zone's establishment will bring Catanduanes closer to realizing the determined vision of a friendship bridge connecting Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, as advocated by Congressman Eulogio R. Rodriguez.
He disclosed that the economic zone has already attracted significant interest from investors, including two companies from the United States specializing in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, and are eager to invest in Catanduanes.
An integral aspect of the economic zone's development is the inclusion of teachers, researchers, and students in the economic activities of the locators. This provision within the contracts ensures that companies located within the economic zone become an economic playground for students. As a result, students will directly benefit from exposure to advance knowledge and industry applications, while teachers and researchers will be duly compensated upon integration into the economic locators.
Furthermore, the compensation from the economic locators will be directly allocated to the advancement of laboratories and academic facilities, enhancing the learning environment for CatSU students and faculty.
President Azanza emphasized that the collaboration between the economic locators and the stakeholders of the island will be a mutually beneficial endeavor. This shared vision aims to uplift the economic status of Catanduanes while providing valuable opportunities for its residents.
On the other hand, Rodriguez, the lone district representative of Catanduanes, expressed his support to the establishment of the ecozones in the province through CatSU.
He added that this initiative will create new opportunities for growth, attract investments, and pave the way for a brighter future for Catandunganons.
Meanwhile, Cua expressed his optimism for the future of the province, saying the technologically-advanced systems and operations that will be introduced to revolutionize the agricultural sector are expected to significantly increase agricultural output in the coming years.
The inauguration of Catanduanes' economic zone was a milestone because it was one of the pioneering ecozones established during the term of then governor, now Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PIA5/Catanduanes)
