BATANGAS CITY – The provincial government of Batangas is seeking assistance from China, through a grant or a soft loan, for the recovery and rehabilitation of the areas severely damaged by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
In a letter dated Jan. 17 and addressed to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas said the assistance would also include several projects which he described as essential in strengthening development strategies of the province.
“In order to boost our efforts in recovery and rehabilitation against the damage and onslaught of the eruption, we would like to secure assistance for a grant or a soft loan relative to projects which are directed towards strengthening our development strategies,” said Mandanas in the letter.
The projects include establishment and operation of a provincial port, Batangas Access Zone in the eastern and western side of the province, Batangas Airport Batangas Railway Project, and the Batangas Housing Project.
In enumerating the development projects, Mandanas cited that Batangas has been part of the “One Belt, One Road Initiative” of China.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious project aimed at connecting countries of the world through mega-projects that focuses on shipping lanes, railroads, and airports. (Aaron Recuenco)
