The provincial government of Siquijor is strengthening its recovery program through long-term local investments as the country continues to grapple against the challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Siquijor province is set to open soon its first-ever community mall, provincial hotel, and domestic airport.
Lone district Representative Jake Villa said the construction of a mall in the island-province is now being discussed.
“We are fortunate that local investors are willing to invest in the province while also providing opportunities for job generation and recovery of our local economy,” Villa said.
“The proposed mall will be a four-storey structure with an estimated investment of P500 million.”
The proposed mall will be located in the municipality of Siquijor, and will be a four-storey structure with an estimated investment of P500 million, the legislator said.
“It will feature major food and retail brands and incorporate business process outsourcing (BPO) firms estimated to generate some 1,300 jobs,” the lawmaker stressed.
“Our residents do not need to go to neighboring provinces to have access to places which can bring families together. Soon, they can enjoy the same comforts which other provinces have easy access to,” he added.
“The province will receive a P900-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the development of the first provincial hotel.”
Meanwhile, Siquijor Governor Zaldy Villa has announced that the province will receive a P900-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the development of the first provincial hotel and the rehabilitation of the Salagdoong Public Beach Resort.
The congressman also said they are gearing up to inaugurate the Siquijor Domestic Airport, “thanks to the support of President Rodrigo Duterte”.
“With the support of national government agencies to our province, we are better-positioned to open our tourism industry soon,” he said.
The airport project was initiated in 2019 with an initial P550-million budget from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
For 2021, the agency allocated P450 million for the improvement and extension of its runway.
“Despite the pandemic, we believe that the province of Siquijor is a prime area for investment as we work towards the recovery of our local industries,” the younger Villa said.
“Our provincial government has always been open to public-private partnerships as long as these initiatives are geared towards the improvement of the lives of Siquijodnons,” he concluded.
