“I use to have a
two-point agenda. Number one is IT, converting
Eastern Visayas as an IT destination because we are already there, we
already have an edge. And then, tourism.
Governor Petilla said
that he added another one which has got to do with energy. He refused
to elaborate, however as this is still in the negotiating tables.
“I added another which
has some to do with energy. I don’t want to reveal it at this point.
This is something big. I don’t even know if this is within my
capabilities because it is huge… I think it is… it entails a lot of
work…but it has something to do with energy,” Governor Petilla said.
Governor Petilla
however, intimated that he has a meeting with Energy Secretary Rene
Almendras in Manila on August 11 and on August 12 with consultants of
syndicating-institutions. He clarified that syndicating institutions
means those who source fund for big projects.
“I have asked Board
Member Roque Tiu to come with me because he is a lawyer… this is an
ambitious undertaking, but I think this is very good for us,” Governor
Petilla added.
“The province now
hosts a call center company and small BPOs and I want to expand its
reach to other parts of the region,” Petilla said.
Governor Petilla added
that one of his thrusts is the development of tourism industry in the
region since Eastern Visayas is part of the tourism corridor as
declared by the previous administration.
Just like IT, tourism
creates jobs and that’s an added point if we focus its development
here in the region,” Petilla stressed.
Governor Petilla
clarified that while focusing on IT, Tourism and Energy, the RDC which
he hopes to lead will also give priority on agriculture.
“I’m not saying
that I’m not going to touch on agriculture. In fact, I have been
consistent in my programs in the province because we need to sustain
food sufficiency and security. I understand that Eastern Visayas is
mainly an agricultural region, so it is a must that we also develop
this sector,” Governor Petilla said.
