A new manufacturing facility in Tanauan City is seen to boost the local economy in Batangas and contribute to the national economy.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the inauguration and toured the plant after the ceremony.

According to officials, the facility will contribute significantly to the economy not only of the province but also of the country as a whole. 

It is also said to sustain the tobacco industry, according to Francis Tiu Laurel, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

“The Department of Agriculture in particular is thankful to PMI and PMFTC for helping keep [the] tobacco industry alive. During the significant decrease of tobacco production, I understand the local leaf in the inclusion of smoke free products... I am confident that our local leaf will meet with this new demand,” Laurel said.

“Well, this is great news that this is not just for smokers, but we open the plant also to the tobacco farmers in the Philippines,” Jacek Olzack, CEO of Philip Morris International (PMI), said.

During the event, a scale model of the facility was showcased.

The plant spans 1.1 hectares.

Laurel thanked the company for choosing to continue its operations in the country despite the economic challenges.

“Our government recognizes PMFTC’s substantial contribution to the Philippine Economy and society [by] providing employment [for] 400 thousand Filipinos, ensuring the lives of tobacco farmers where tobacco leaf purchases by 4.8 billion pesos annually,” Laurel said.