PANGASINAN posted an impressive 97% increase in investments last year at P7.7 million as compared to the P3.9 million registered in 2005, according to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Marjurie Loresco of the DTI provincial office said the huge increase was boosted by the entry of two big Manila-based firms in Dagupan City and in Bayambang town.

These are the Robinsons Department Store located at the second floor of Nepo Mall in Dagupan, and the Strategic Alliance Company that established a branch in Bayambang.

Loresco clarified that based on DTI standards, any firm with an investment of P100 million and above is considered a big firm while a firm with a P60 million investment and above is considered a small-and-medium-sized firm.

However, employment declined by 12.5% during the year-on-year review period.

Loresco said this may be attributed to the fact that most of the registered firms in the province, particularly the small and medium-sized businesses, are family-owned enterprises that usually employ the owners themselves and family members.

Loresco said the province generated a total of 16,464 jobs last year as compared to 18,809 in 2005.

The number of registered firms in the province also increased by 3.5% to 6,144 in 2006 from 5,936 the previous year.

Loresco told THE PUNCH that there were noted decreases from the sectors of manufacturing, personal services and industrial services, except for trading which registered minimal increase.

Loresco said the DTI is hoping that this year, the province would be able to generate more investments, attract new firms, and increase employment opportunities.

She said the DTI is doing its best to help the province’s economy by promoting Pangasinan’s best products and tourist spots. — AQL

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