SUBIC, Zambales — Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday said the ongoing PHP10-billion tourism project in Candelaria, Zambales under the “Build, Build, Build” program is one of the alternative industries pushed by the Duterte administration as an alternative to mining.
“Mayroon tayong PHP10 billion project dito sa Candelaria. Sa mineral-rich town ng province natin. Soon that will be implemented na po (We have a PHP10-billion project here in Candelaria, in the mineral-rich town in the province. Soon that will be implemented),” Go said in an ambush interview here after attending the launch of the Catering Division of Zubakery Café.
Candelaria, Zambales is a small mineral-rich town located in the northern part of the province.
The project being referred to by the presidential aide is the Uacon Lake Resort Complex (ULRCP), a flagship project that started in July.
Go said the operations of small-scale miners in Zambales will be stopped if it is proven that they do not have the necessary permits.
“Kung bawal po ay dapat ipasara ‘yan. Trabaho po ng DENR ‘yan, MGB, so papatingnan natin kung may mga illegal, small-scale miners po na nag-o-operate ng walang permit (If it is illegal, then it must be closed. That’s the task of DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] and MGB [Mines and Geosciences Bureau]. We will check if there are illegal small-scale miners operating even without permit),” Go said.
During his visit, Duterte’s closest aide also extended his gratitude to his supporters.
“Karamihan po sa kanila ay mga supporters rin po ni Pangulong Duterte, at ako’y nagpapasalamat sa kanila. Nakakataba ng puso ‘yung suporta na ipinapakita nila sa amin. Patuloy lang po kaming magtatrabaho, at magsisipag kami lalong magtrabaho sa nakikita naming suporta (Most of my supporters are supporters of President Duterte as well, and I am very grateful. It is overwhelming to see the support they give us. We will work harder because of the support we see),” Go said. (OSAP PR/PNA)
