ASEZA, NHA SEAL THE DEAL FOR CASIGURAN RESIDENTS' RELOCATION

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today witnessed the signing of memorandum of agreement between Aurora Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the relocation project in Casiguran, Aurora to formalize the transfer of 450 households to better home facilities.

"Aurora stands at the cusp of economic development and gears up for international commerce and investment. Casiguran is a prime location for an economic zone and we made sure that the lives and livelihood of its residents will move in the direction of progress as well. We want to stimulate the economy, build better lives and provide a more conducive living environment for its people," said Angara who hails from Baler, Aurora.

The Ecozone, comprising 500 hectares of land in Casiguran town, is a custom-designed seaport and airport driven economic center which will attract tourism, aquamarine projects and agro-industrial investments. Angara noted, "This will be the first eco-zone designed to be the country's Gateway to the Pacific."

Among Aurora's major products are rice, coconut, wood and furniture, citrus, banana, sabutan (natural fiber), corn, coffee and root crops--many of which are highly in-demand commodities for their value and their by-products. Casiguran also has the widest mangrove coverage in the province, making it a very conducive area for research and future related investment ventures.

Angara concluded, "The potential is there, the resources are there, and now the legislative framework is there. In no time, Aurora province will be one of the leading hubs in Luzon because of its strategic location. Our goals in steering the country's economy back to its glory days will begin to see its fruition."

The memorandum of agreement was made thru the efforts of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Cong. Sonny Angara and the Office of Sen. Angara. The event was attended by Angara, NHA General Manager Federico Laxa, NHA Assistant Gen. Mngr. Froilan Kampitan, ASEZA Deputy Administrator Vitaliano Sabalo, and Representatives of Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and Cong. Sony Angara.

"We cannot just mouth words about self-sufficiency while continually denying the regions the tools needed to accomplish this task. Success requires investing massively in infrastructure, research, innovation, education and training the people who live in these regions. This formula will stimulate spending, and generate economic activity. We will start it here by proving that each region can stand on its own, and not just as a unit of government, but more importantly as an engine of economic growth," said Angara.