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| Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas discusses the provincial government's plans for and benefits of the ASEAN Business Access Zone in the province. (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office/Junjun Hara De Chavez) |
The Provincial Government of Batangas, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led the turnover of the ASEAN Batangas Access Zone (ABAZ) and distribution of Presidential Assistance To Farmers, Fisherfolks, And Other Families (PAFFF) Program held in Brgy. Sta. Rita Aplaya, Batangas City last October 11, 2024. Batangas Governor Hon. Hermilando I. Mandanas and DPWH Region IV-A Director Jovel Mendoza formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the said event which marks the transfer of Phases 1 and 2 of the ABAZ mega project to the provincial government.
The ASEAN Business Access Zone is the fulfillment of a project proposed by Governor Mandanas, eventually funded by the DPWH, is expected to further strengthen trade and commerce in the Province of Batangas by becoming a "superport" and gateway that will connect the province to other parts of the Philippines and the Southeast Asian (ASEAM) Region for a smoother and faster flow of components and products in the field of agriculture, fisheries and other industries. The first two phases of the ABAZ will be situated in Barangay Sta. Rita Aplaya in Batangas City and in Barangay Danglayan, San Pascual, Batangas while the next sections of the project site will reach the Bauan pier. The area is set to serve as a logistics hub, fish port, and regional food terminal upon completion. In addition, there will be a coastal access road that will connect the Batangas International Port in Batangas City to Bauan Port.
According to Mandanas, the ABAZ is proof of the continuing efforts of the provincial government to stimulate the economy in Batangas and the CALABARZON Region to create more jobs, promote food security, and help Batangueños feel real prosperity in life. The Batangas governor also extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Bong Go for the support for the implementation of the said project. Meanwhile, the PAFFF is a government initiative created to provide support and assistance to farmers, fishermen, and their families who have been greatly affected by the recent El Niño phenomenon. More than Php23M in financial assistance, from the Department of Agriculture (DA), was granted to 2,375 beneficiaries from different towns and cities across the province.
Also gracing the said occasion for the national government were Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Daniel Alfonso Atayde, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Asis G. Perez, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Engr. Joel Limpengco and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Marissa Argente among other officials while Vice Governor Mark Leviste, AnaKalusugan Congressman Ray Reyes, Provincial Board Members, and Atty. Angelica Chua-Mandanas led other provincial government officials in taking part and witnessing the event as well.
(With words by Jayne Elarmo-Ylagan & Almira Elaine Baler, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
