ORANI, Bataan- In his bid to further strengthen the newly-created Metro Bataan Development Council (MBDA), Governor Abet S. Garcia has wanted to fast-track the setting up of “One Bataan office” where the MBDA and various national and local agencies will hold office in the province.
The provincial government of Bataan led by Governor Abet S. Garcia and the provincial board led by Vice governor Efren Pascual, Jr., had just enacted a local law setting up the BMDA, referred to as council, a local version of the Metro Manila Development Authority, not only to pave the way for a wider investment program but also to ensure a smooth flow of traffic along the Bataan expressway, a major and strategic national highway from Layac to Mariveles town.
Briefing newsmen, Gov. Garcia pointed out that he designated former Mayor Charlie Pizarro as General Manager to head the BMDA for having wide knowledge in management and security. “Charlie Pizarro’s vast experience in security measures suit to his designation and we will address also the encroaching along the highway of squatters to prevent the informal settlers from occupying beside the busy highway,” said the young governor.
The governor himself sits as BMDA chairman being under the Office of the governor, while the city and town mayors also composed the council.
“In next three to five years, Bataan will become different with the simultaneous pouring in of investment not only in Bataan Freeport but also in other parts of the province such as Limay,” proudly reported the governor.
To ensure the safety and security of investors and motorists travelling along the Bataan expressway, Garcia said that the PNP will set up police out posts in various strategic areas of the highway to assist investors and motorists plying here.
“We will deploy policemen to man 24/7 the highway,” assured Sr. Supt. Audie Atienza, police provincial director.
Provincial engineer Ric Yuzon told this correspondent that a massive cleaning is now underway inside the 16 hectares government lot in barangay Dona, Orani highway (former Sunrise office) for the construction of the MBDA office and other government agencies.
The MBDA shall set policies concerning traffic, coordinate and regulate the implementation of approved programs and projects concerning traffic management, engineering and education, added the governor.
