The Northern Samar provincial government has identified seven additional priority areas for local investment this year to guide the local government in searching for potential investors.

The seven priorities are in addition to the 13 focus areas for investment identified in 2024 by the provincial government, said Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO).

First on the list of additional local investment priorities is renewable energy, considering the province’s “strong wind speeds and high global horizontal irradiance have attracted numerous renewable energy companies looking for potential project sites.”

“Coupled with Northern Samar’s policies that streamline business permits and licensing processes, the province is well-positioned to host renewable energy projects,” Berbon said in a phone interview Monday.

The second priority is value-adding and manufacturing activities to support local talents in handicrafts and processing, “creating demand that extends beyond the province.”

Another priority is the creative industry, driven by its young talents, strong academic institutions, and rich cultural heritage, according to Berbon.

“With growing digital access, opportunities lie in visual arts, digital media, fashion, and performing arts, integrating traditional Northern Samar identity with modern innovation. Support from schools, government incentives, and private sector collaborations will be key in transforming creativity into a thriving industry that showcases Northern Samar on both national and global stages,” he explained.

Berbon said some sectors and industries are added due to mandatory policies, which will be beneficial for the province.

These include public-private partnership infrastructure and development projects; rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance programs for persons with disabilities; publication and printing of books; and salt production.

In 2024, the provincial government unveiled 13 priority areas for local investments.

These include coconut by-products production, integrated agro/marine processing center, integrated feed mill, commercial hatchery operations, cold chain processing for agriculture and marine products, commercial plantation, and mariculture development.

Other existing priorities are hotels, resorts, tourist transport, sports and recreational activities, eco-tourism and agri-tourism facilities, and theme parks.

The provincial government of Northern Samar officially launched its investment initiatives in 2024, facilitating a record of 14 investors and conducting a minimum of three to five investment promotion efforts per month. (PNA)