Aklan now ready for investments
Aklan now ready for investments

By Venus G. Villanueva Thursday 21st of March 2013

KALIBO, Aklan, March 21 (PIA) -- An Investment Conference (ICON) will be held in the province of Aklan on April 26 to send the signal that Aklan is now ready for investment.

The activity, which will be spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is the first of its kind to be held in Aklan and in Region 6, according to Provincial Director Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr.

Cadena added that the activity was strongly pushed by DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who sees Boracay Island as a big potential market for Aklan’s locally-grown or produced products.

Expected to attend the ICON in Aklan, which will be held at Hernani’s Mix and Match, are DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo and Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who would respectively deliver the Keynote Address and the Concept Presentation.

Cruz, according to Cadena, is expected to present at the ICON the viability of raising pangasius fish in the province, with Boracay Island as the target market.

“ The province should not be dependent on fish catch alone for its supply, especially with Boracay Island which needs a big supply, so there should be an alternative source”, Cadena said.

Pangasius is a freshwater fish which is a cross between bangus and catfish, and a good source of fillet.

To raise pangasius, one needs at least a pond measuring 1,000 to 1,200 square meters.

Raising pangasius, according to Cadena, is one way for Aklanons to be consistent with the Aquino government’s thrust for “inclusive growth” and to take advantage of the market demand of Boracay.

More or less 200 participants are expected to attend the ICON, composed of potential investors from Aklan and other areas.

Regional Directors from all over the country of DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), Fiber Industry and Development Authority (FIDA) will also be invited to the ICON, Cadena said.

Testimonials on the successful raising of pangasius by entrepreneurs will also be presented during the one-day activity. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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Diosdado Cadena Jr. Cabatuan.com