IBA, Zambales - Filipino-Chinese businessmen led by tycoon James G. Dy have expressed interest in investing in Zambales following the recent announcement by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. that the province is open to proposals from local and international investors. Dy, who is president emeritus of the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. and chairman of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. met with Ebdane on Thursday to extend his support to the new provincial executive, renew their friendship, and inquire on business prospects in Zambales. "We are interested in investing in Zambales, and we are willing to put up businesses here," said Dy, who was accompanied by a nine-man business delegation from Manila. "You just tell us what kind of business or industry that we can put up here," he added. Among the companies controlled by Dy are Universal Records Inc., Eagle Electric, Pan Pacific Travel, Galaxy Records Inc., Pacific World Plaza International Development Corp., Sempco Realty Development Corp., and Dyna Music Entertainment Corp. Dy is also the chairman of the board of Subic International Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Ebdane meanwhile assured Dy and his business colleagues that the provincial government is ready to partner with investors to push community-oriented development agenda focusing on the enhancement and proper utilization of local resources. "We'd soon complete our development plan, and we'll let you know what particular investment projects we would need," Ebdane said, thanking his guests for their business offer. .
Ebdane, who has earlier announced a "Zambales first" business policy, added that his administration would particularly encourage investments that would utilize local products, provide jobs to local people, and develop and promote local resources. Earlier, Ebdane announced in his state of the province address that his administration is on the lookout for resources and investments to jumpstart his growth agenda that would include programs to boost tourism, agriculture, and mining, as well as the provision of opportunities for education, health, employment, and other basic services.
In the same meeting, Dy also offered to Ebdane the services of his family's Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center for special medical and surgical cases that cannot be handled in Zambales hospitals. "Like what we have agreed on during the time when you were [commander] of the Western Police District, we can provide free hospitalization for special cases," Dy said.
