The launching yesterday of the Information and Communications Technology Park (ICoT Park) of the Provincial Government of Leyte is a major step in creating job opportunities in this region.

Over the past years, plans have been made for promoting ICT in Eastern Visayas and the launching was a much needed boost to make these plans a reality.

The grant of an Economic Zone status to the ICoT Park is a major factor that can attract locators because of the tax holidays and other incentives given to locators for four years.

The low wage rates and low office space rental rates are also factors that can positively influence locators.

It is important to point out that the establishment of the Park would require the coordinated efforts of different sectors particularly schools which would train qualified manpower.

I have stated in a column I wrote about two years ago that IT industries would undoubtedly be attracted to Region VIII primarily due to the availability of qualified workers who, because of the high cost of living, would prefer to work here instead of migrating to Metro Manila.

Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla, who has been at the forefront of establishing the IT Park correctly stated in the launching program that to succeed, the Park needs the help of the entire region. The presence of Gov. Rosette Lerias of Southern Leyte, Gov. Rogelio Espina of Biliran and Gov. Mila Tan of Samar shows the recognition and support of the different provinces of Region VIII in the establishment of the Park.

(The event was graced by the presence of Cong. Matin Petilla and Presidential Assistant Vic Domingo).
These provinces can, for instance, help provide qualified manpower to the industries in the ICoT Park.
It is even possible that within the next five years, they will also have IT Parks as the companies in ICot Park try to be closer to the source of their manpower and as the IT infrastructure in these provinces improve.

The huge green light for the growth of IT industries in Eastern Visayas is on. It can only get brighter.
All of these are good for the development of Eastern Visayas.