SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Antique’s local government units (LGUs) have been asked to encourage returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and internal migrants to invest in the province and contribute to its economic development.
Undersecretary Adoracion M. Navarro of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), who was here for the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan Roadshow at The Venue on Friday, noted that as she went around the province, she saw tremendous opportunities, such as those on eco-tourism and industries like muscovado production that could attract investors.
“The DTI and LGUs must be aggressive in inspiring returning OFWs and (internal) migrants to invest in the province,” Navarro said.
She added that there seemed to be a phenomenon that Antiqueños, who have migrated to Mindanao and have accumulated sufficient capital, return to the province out of their fondness for it or when they see its peaceful environment.
They should be encouraged not only to spend for consumer goods but also to invest, she added.
Meanwhile, Navarro said the Regional Development Plan (RDP) Roadshow was launched in the province together with that of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) so that the people would be able to understand it.
NEDA started to introduce PDP last year in other areas of the country. It highlights the infrastructure development or the “Build, build, build” thrust of President Rodrigo Durterte to improve connectivity in the country and bring the services from growth centers to rural areas.
As for the RDP, NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal said there are big-ticket projects, such as the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Occidental bridges, international airports of Kalibo, Iloilo and Silay City and big roads and bridges to be given priority. (Annabel Consuelo Petinglay/PNA)
