The provincial government of Batangas has identified several key industries which, if properly cultivated and developed, have the potential to propel the local economy to unprecedented heights.

In an interview on Monday, Governor Hermilando Mandanas said his administration will focus on growing the tourism, commercial fishing, logistics services, and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors in the next few years.

Mandanas said efforts are underway to further capitalize on Batangas’ rich history and natural resources to grow the tourism industry and other tourism-related businesses.

He said the Verde Island Passage (VIP), Taal Volcano and the Taal Basilica are the province’s star attractions.

“We have the best marine life found in the VIP and we are proud that we have the world-renowned Taal Volcano, as well as the largest church in Asia, the Taal Basilica,” he added.

Mandanas said partnerships recently forged with the private sector put the province in a good position to entice these businesses and support their operations.

“We are the most powerful province in terms of the size of our power plants. We are the gateway of our nautical highway and agro-industrial [companies]… we are also recognized as the Asean logistics hub,” he said.

Mandanas said he recently met with representatives of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority to discuss the construction of a regional food terminal in the province.

The provincial government has also strengthened its investment strategy, planning and information technology to help increase the economic growth during the first Batangas Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIPO) Conference last week.

Meanwhile, the “Paskong Batangueño sa Kapitolyo” (Batangueño-style Christmas at the Capitol), which was launched on Saturday, signals an attempt to capture a bigger portion of the country’s holiday tourism market.

As part of the holiday activities at the capitol, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) is holding the “Barakahan sa Kapitolyo” (Camaraderie at the Capitol), a month-long community market and food park to support local producers, farmers and fisherfolk. (PNA)