Gov't earmarks P6B for Cagayan ecozone

The government and its private sector partners have earmarked P6 billion for the development of state-owned Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CEZA) into an agro-industrial center and tourism destination. Kim Ancheta, CEZA community relations manager, said the project, a major part of a five-year plan to 2010, will expand the existing ecozone, develop the San Vicente port and airstrip, and modernize Port Irene into an international container terminal. There are also plans to construct an international airport in Lalo, Cagayan, which is 70 kilometers from Sta. Ana, to support ecozone companies as well as make the province more accessible. The government will also implement its roll-on, roll-off project by linking coastal towns in Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon provinces, with Port Irene eyed as the main port. The government and private investors envision the 51,100-hectare Sta. Ana ecozone as a state-of-the art transhipment hub molded after Singapore and Kaoshiung, Taiwan, while at the same time promoting it as a tourist destination. The province boasts of white beaches and lush forests that are ideal for eco-tourism and sports activities like game fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking, Mr. Ancheta said. First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp. and Dole Philippines have invested in the ecozone. The resort company has opened an online gaming center and is constructing a 300-room hotel to be called Eastern Hawaii Casino Hotel and Resort. First Cagayan, which has inked a 25-year lease with the government over an 18-hectare area, also committed to put up a golf course and retirement villas. Dole Philippines Inc., a major producer and exporter of tropical fruits like pineapple and bananas, is putting up a one-hectare pilot banana plantation in Sta. Ana, Mr. Ancheta said. -BusinessWorld