Sycip backs PGMA's infra development thrust
Quezon City (6 October) -- Business icon and Sycip, Gorres, Velayo founding chairman Washington Sycip said yesterday President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is doing the right thing in pushing the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects through the super regions program to enhance the country’s competitive advantage, stimulate economic growth and development.
During the "Government Infrastructure Forum" held at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City, Sycip pointed out that the rapid progress attained by the Philippines’ neighboring countries, including China, came on the back of massive infrastructure development programs.
"Forty years ago, we were ahead. But our slowness in infrastructures had been very harmful to the country," Sycip said.
Sycip said the President is right in enhancing the competitive advantage of the five super regions, namely the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, the Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyberservices Corridor.
He said that the government can also enhance the country’s competitive advantage in tourism by marketing the Philippines as a land of music.
"No country can match the Philippines in music," Sycip said.
The government and the private sector should work together and publicize projects for implementation, particularly the large ones, in order to encourage local and foreign participation. (PIA) [top]