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MANILA – The "Klabarzon" society in Region 4A vowed on Thursday to improve the trade and housing industries of Laguna as it brought officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Housing Authority (NHA) to introduce the various programs of the agencies and how they can help in the development of the province during its second town hall meeting on public policy held at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba town.
The organization's convenor, Senator Francis Tolentino, said DTI can help in the recovery of farmers and small traders in Laguna from the pandemic while the NHA can clarify the national government's plan for residents who will be affected by the newly inked railway project extension.
"Sana mailatag natin ang mga solusyon sa kinakaharap ng ating mga pamahalaang lokal. Sana matugunan din ng NHA ang mga suliranin natin sa ating mga naninirahan sa tabi ng riles (We hope to lay down the solutions to the problems being faced by the local governments. We also hope that the NHA can address the problem on communities residing beside the railways)," Tolentino said in his speech.
Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez told his local chief executives and constituents that the province's development depends on the participation of every province and its people.
"Mapalad tayo at nabigyan tayo ng oportunidad na makibahagi sa talakayang ito at mapagtibay ang ating commitment sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng Calabarzon (We are lucky to have been given the opportunity to participate in this discussion and strengthen our commitment for the continuous development of Calabarzon)," Hernandez said.
Calling it one of the richest provinces in the country, DTI Undersecretary Ana Carolina Sanchez said Laguna has an enormous potential for economic growth.
"The province is already a hotspot for economic zones, industry schools, and residences. It is a vibrant economy producing rice, coconut, sugar, citrus fruits, lanzones, and other goods," Sanchez said citing the province's tourist spots and big industrial manufacturers.
She also vowed to continue supporting Laguna's pursuit of socio-economic development through increased economic activities and industrialization.
"Magtulungan po tayong magawa ito ng mas mabilis at simple para sa business sector lalo na sa mga (Let us help each other do this faster and more simple for the business sector especially the) MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises)," Sanchez said.
Meanwhile, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai, in a video message, vowed to continue providing technical assistance to Laguna in implementing its local housing programs.
"This include(s) activities such as planning, pre-relocation, relocation, and actual estate management administration of resettlement sites," Tai said.
"Klabarzon" which stands for "Kabite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon" focuses on achieving economic growth, better quality of education, as well as the promotion of sustainable regional tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness and protection within the Southern Tagalog region. (PNA)
