Orminvest
Oriental Mindoro’s plentiful assets easily make it one of the most promising sites for economic development in the Philippines. To fully utilize its distinct qualities and maximize its potentials, substantial investments in agri-business, tourism, power and energy, BPO, Information Technology (I.T.) and other potentials of growth are needed to jumpstart the province’s journey to prosperity and progress.
But even if investments pour in, it is equally important that these are managed well to ensure sustainability of the province’s economic growth.
ORMINVEST is tasked to generate such investments in the aforementioned growth areas in order to generate livelihood and employment opportunities and find a sustainable solution to poverty.
For instance, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro have the potential to make Mindoro island a Food Basket in the Philippines.
10-Point Agenda
1. Preservation and Conservation of Natural Resources
The cancellation of Timber License Agreement (TLA) 376 by then President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987, through the efforts of Congressman RGV, covered more than 50,000 hectares of Mindoro’s watershed. Thus, the Province remains today as one of the THREE (3) MOST GREEN PROVINCES IN THE COUNTRY, enjoying strong free-flowing water and abundant mineral water with high potentials for hydro power development.
2. Power and Energy Development
Oriental Mindoro abounds with renewable energy resources, natural gas and bio fuel that could generate some 300 to 500 MW. Today, the Province’s power requirement is supplied by hydro and diesel bunker plants. Soon enough, the province could tap up to 1,000 MW from the coal power plant on Semirara Island to Bulalacao.
3. Agro-Industrial
Food security and agro-industrialization turned the province into one of the country’s top agricultural and economic zones. It emerged the Food Basket of Region IV. And won the Gawad Sapat Ani 2000 Award of the Philippines as no. 4 Food Producer of the country in terms of rice, corn, and fisheries. The agri-business potentials of the province are bolstered by its promising future as a hub for regional trade as well as its growing domestic consumer base.
4. Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the cornerstone of any growing economy. Oriental Mindoro has realized growth and development due to its improved infrastructure and public works. It has an impressive network of well-paved concrete national and provincial highways, as well as farm-to-market roads, and bridges.
5. Transportation and Communications
The dismantling of the shipping monopoly by then GOV. RGV, paved the way for the entry of independent shipping companies. This resulted in a more efficient and reasonably priced sea transport system to and from Oriental Mindoro. “Ro-Ro” and fast-craft vessels ply their routes 24/7 daily round-the-clock. On the other hand, the entry of telecommunication companies. There are two airport (1) Calapan City Airport (designed to be developed as MIMAROPA Airport) and (2) Pinamalayan Airport (designed to be International Airport in view of massive agro–industrial and tourism development program od the province as well being one of the biggest island with the area of 1 million hectares.
6. Education
Mindoro’s youth can avail of free elementary, secondary and tertiary education in public schools and colleges. Programs are being strengthened to address the continuing need for school buildings and facilities particularly in far-flung areas. Deserving students can also avail of a scholarship program. Congressman RGV main author of Republic Act (RA) 10596 converting Mindoro State College of Agriculture & Technology as a State University (MINSU). It will now provide opportunity for the youth education primary, secondary and college degree in Oriental Mindoro.
7. Tourism
Oriental Mindoro is a tourism paradise. It was once declared the 9th Top Tourist Destination of the Philippines with Puerto Galera Bay officially admitted to the Paris-based “Most Beautitul Bays in the World” Club in 2005 for its serene beauty, rich marine life and significant contribution to the economy. Other tourism destinations in Oriental Mindoro are Puerto Galera, Mt. Halcon, Naujan Lake and Bulalacao for tourism destination in Oriental Mindoro. Other tourism destination in Occidental Mindoro are equally beautiful. It is greatly possible that Mindoro Island can be declared as tourism Capital of the Philippines.
8. Health
Sustained programs for medical and health care are being pursued for the province. Services and the improvement of the capabilities of public hospitals, rural health units and barangay centers has helped improve health standards in the province. Furthermore clean, pollution-free, and abundant, free flowing mineral spring water is available to many people.
9. Youth, Women and Senior Citizens
Continuous credible and reliable programs have been put in place to address major concerns of the youth, women and senior citizens. These involve, among other things, sports, livelihood, health, social, cultural and other developmental activities.
10. Home for the Homeless, Land for the Landless
The opportunity to have decent and affordable homes is made possible with the development of housing communities for low-income families and relocation sites for the informal settlers.
Consultants
Architects/Planner
Palafox& Associates
Carunungan& Partners
Arconic Architects
Economics
Dr. Bernie Villegas
Dean, University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
Engineering
Engr. Roberto P. Reyes
DCCD Engineering Corporation
Design Coordinates, Inc.
Power & Energy
Hon. Alfonso G. Cusi
Secretary of Department of Energy
Legal
Gordon Dario Reyes Law Firm
Atty. Francis S. Serrano
Mina Law Office