Cement factory eyes Pinamungajan investment

CEBU, Philippines - More investments are expected to pour into the west coast of the province of Cebu in addition to the existing industries in Toledo City and Balamban.

Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro said that for almost a year now, a Manila-based cement firm, Century Peak Corporation, has been conducting exploration in the mountain areas in the municipality to determine mineral deposits for cement production.

While limestone, as cement ingredient is common in all places, Baricuatro claimed Pinamungajan is the only municipality in Cebu that has silica deposit.

Silica is the main chemical compound in sand used to make glass, concrete, and other materials.

Baricuatro said that the cement factory coming in his town would spur economic activities in the west.

 “Moalegri ning west coast,” he said.

There are already two power plants in Toledo City and shipbuilding in Balamban. There is also an ongoing oil production in Aloguinsan town.

Baricuatro said that once the cement firm is operational, it can generate employment by at least a thousand of his constituents who need not go to Cebu City and other places to find job.

He said that although the cement factory would still take longer time to build, at least it has already started.

 He said there are lots of skilled workers in the municipality working away from their families now. 

 Baricuatro said he is expecting more industries, like poultry, to come. “Amo gyud na i-welcome ang mga investors, kinahanglang business-friendly gyud mi,” he said.

 Baricuatro said investors are interested to invest in his town because the lot is cheaper compared to those in Toledo City and Balamban. 

According to Baricuatro, the coming in of investors is a fulfillment of his campaign promise. Aside from promising investment during the campaign, Baricuatro also vowed to open a community college in Pinamungajan.

 The Cebu Technological University-Barili Campus is now holding extension classes in a building constructed by the municipal government right at the back of Pandacan National High School in Pinamungajan.

Baricuatro said around 200 students are now enrolled when the CTU in Pinamungajan opened in June.  (FREEMAN)