Press Release - Co-Sponsorship Speech | Sen. Joel Villanueva

SENATE BILL NO. 2572 UNDER COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 209
Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues:

Ako po ay lubos na nagagalak na i-co-sponsor ang panukalang batas na magtatatag ng isang Special Economic Zone and Freeport sa minamahal kong lalawigan ng Bulacan. Bilang isa sa mga may-akda ng panukalang ito, tayo po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating sponsor na si Senator Grace Poe para sa kanyang sipag at dedikasyon upang tuluyan nang maisabatas ang Bulacan Ecozone Act.

The province of Bulacan has an undeniably unique place in Philippine and world history. The historic Barasoain Church in the great City of Malolos is the birthplace of the first constitutional democracy in Asia. Some of our nation's greatest heroes and brilliant artists also hailed from Bulacan. Among them are Marcelo H. del Pilar, The Great Propagandist; General Gregorio del Pilar, known for his last stand at the Battle of Tirad Pass; the legendary poet Francisco Balagtas; celebrated composer Nicanor Abelardo; and National Artist Guillermo Tolentino.

Today, our beloved province is known as the "Northern Gateway from Manila," owing to its strategic location close to the capital, making it an ideal investment destination. Bulacan has also seen remarkable economic growth over the last decade or so. In the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index of the Department of Trade and Industry, the province was ranked 8th, up from 49th in 2018. Further, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Bulacan accounted for 27.7% of the economy of Central Luzon in 2022 and contributed the biggest share to the Industry and Services sectors of the region - a testament to our province's economic dynamism, innovation, well-developed infrastructure support, good governance, and of course, the greatness of Bulaceños.

So just imagine, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the great economic boost and overall development that the proposed Bulacan Ecozone will bring not just to our beloved province, but to the entire Central Luzon and the whole country as well.

It is estimated that aside from complementing the ongoing construction of the New Manila