NEWSFLASH

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CEMENT PLANT BETTER FOR AGNO THAN TOURISTS? (reprined with permission from tthe Philippine Journal)

Agno, Pangasinan, Nov. 1, 1997 - The Municipal Treasurer of Agno is publicly criticizing the provincial government for choosing to include the town in the eco-tourism zone instead of pursuing industrialization.

Treasurer Cristopher Rosete told barangay officials early this week that "To think that tourism can take the place of the cement plant is wrong. Agno has nothing to offer, except the beach that are abundant everywhere in the country. To think that we can compete with Boracay Island, the beaches of Zambales and the Hundred Islands is wishful thinking."

In batting for the cement plant, Rosete pointed out that the town now has a chance to attain significant economic growth. "This is an opportunity which the people should grab, because a cement plant will serve as a magnet that will attract other corporations to establish their business in our town, raising hopes that Agno will someday become a city."

Detailing the economic impact of the proposed plant, Rosete said the sale of the project site alone is expected to bring an income of P62 million, in addition to P125 million from the quarry area.

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