Korean investors outline big projects in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 20 (PNA)-- A big group of Korean investors presented a master plan and latest Korean technologies in connection with its three of seven projects that it intend to build in Pangasinan. the province.

This was made during a business trip of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to South Korea last August 14 to 17 when he and other Philippine officials were invited to attend an agricultural seminar that involves the operation of Rice Processing Complex.

The JJGPK Co. Ltd. made three project presentations that include the development of an eco-tourism zone, cold storage and chicken dressing plant.

The other projects that were also discussed include the establishment of a surplus center, knowledge process outsourcing, mining and water transport.

Governor Espino told the investors that they must start any of their projects as soon as possible to provide and generate jobs and livelihood opportunities to Pangasinenses.

It was agreed upon that a retirement village, which will not only cater to Korean retirees but also to Filipino Korean war veterans, and a golf course, will be the first projects that will set up by the group.

The retirement village will feature high-rise residences that will cater to upper and mid-income clients.

The eco-tourism zone, conceptualized under the working title “Lingayen Land,” is conceived as a self-contained community that will feature African and Asian safari tours.

It will have its own mono trail, entertainment center which will be a little kind of Disneyland dubbed as “dream land.”.

With children as its target market, this is synonymous to a theme park that will also include scenes from the significant periods of Philippine history.

The complex will also be a host to a yacht club, docking areas,water sports area, a string of restaurants with a floating restaurant as a highlight, hotels and a water park with a wave pool for children and adults.

While in Korea, Governor Espino's party also visited a cold storage facility, similar to what is being planned to be constructed here, that does not utilize ice or blower which can further prolong the life of stored fruits or vegetables.

The governor personally met the inventor of the facility and who expressed his willingness to visit Pangasinan.

Another Korean investment is a chicken dressing plant to help poultry growers in Pangasinan. This facility uses technology that is six times faster than an ordinary chicken dressing plant in the country.

On the other hand, the surplus center, is intended to sell slightly used home and office appliances.

Espino said the Koreans were also enticed by Pangasinan’s long coastline and river ways where they expressed their desire to engage in water transport.

They vowed to bring ferry boats and barges for tourism and as alternative means to transport people along the major rivers of Pangasinan.

The Korean investors said that cruising Pangasinan rivers will be a tourist attraction since these are surrounded by breathtaking mangroves.

The Governor considers this timely since the Provincial Government has embarked on a massive cleaning and dredging operations of Pangasinan rivers.

The governor also told the group to look for investors that will set up a steel manufacturing in Pangasinan, saying that the country though rich in minerals has no single steel plant.

The governor told the Koreans that their steel industry catapulted them as a very progressive nation.

In his trip to Korea, Governor Espino was joined by Executive Assistant Ramon Morden and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist staff Nestor Batalla.

He was later joined by Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco for his meetings with the JJGPK investors.

The proposed business ventures from other Korean investors include: the establishment of a commercial and industrial complex, a Pangasinan Heart and Medical Center, electric vehicle manufacturing, housing program and waste-to-energy plant.

Other foreign investors who have expressed business ties with the provincial government include those from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. (PNA)
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