PILAR, Bataan-Local leaders in this strategic town led by Mayor Alice D. Pizarro, are now making moves in preparation for the expected influx of commercial establishments here.
But even before this economic development came, this town has already become a magnet for commercial and business establishments with the putting up of the Bataan Government center by then Mayor Charlie Pizarro, now the newly-appointed General Manager of Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA).
Constructed through the initiatives of then congressman, now governor Abet S. Garcia, then governor now congressman Tet Garcia and former Mayor Charlie Pizarro himself, the Bataan Government center now hosts various national government agencies such as Land Transportation Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other private business offices, giving Pilar town a substantial annual income.
Talking with local newsmen, the lady mayor, a University of the Philippines College of Tourism graduate, said they are now contemplating on coming up with a zoning ordinance, after consultations with various socio-economic sectors, to transfer the junk shops along the national road in Barangay Sta. Rosa, to pave the way for the expected spill-over of commercial establishments from the nearby component city of Balanga including eateries and shops that would further expand the economic activity in her town..
Mayor Joet S. Garcia admitted that vacant areas in Balanga City are getting fewer with the sprouting like mushrooms of commercial, educational establishments to name a few, since the conversion of the capital town into a Component City, making the Balanga City the envy of others.
Full of dreams to further turn this once sleepy town around, Mayor Pizarro also sees the imminent improvement of barangay Sta. Rosa, once known as the “Red district here” due to the presence of beer houses and entertainment establishments, to become a “show window” with the construction of a new multi-million peso Pilar-Balanga bridge.
Engr. Reynaldo Venturina of the Department of Public Works and Highways (2nd district) said that the bridge’s construction is being rushed but said that DPWH regional office is the one implementing it.
Pizarro said that a number of businessmen in Bataan and from Metro Manila have shown keen interest in the local development council programs which they consider as marketable and good long range investment options for them, Pilar being a strategic town.
Pizarro added that she is also studying the construction of a hotel, although a number are already existing; restaurants, souvenir shops and other facilities that would cater to the needs of local and foreign tourists who regularly visit the historic Mt Samat.