Surigao City: The Surigao City government is hopeful that the planned reopening of the Pacific Cement Corporation (Pacemco), one of Mindanao's major cement manufacturers, will revitalize the local economy and create more jobs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Surigao City government highlighted Pacemco's historical significance as a key player in the Caraga Region's cement industry, driving economic growth and employment before its closure on May 5, 2014 due to financial and operational challenges.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II met with representatives of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), led by assistant vice president for government affairs and advocacy Cynthia de Castro, to discuss the plant's reopening. The meeting included an ocular inspection of the facility and finalization of groundbreaking activities scheduled this month.
'This partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening Surigao City's industrial sector and creating more opportunities for Batang Surigaonons,' the city government said. The reopening of Pacemco is expected to revive jobs and stimulate economic activity in Surigao City and surrounding areas of Surigao del Norte.
At the time of its closure, Pacemco owed Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative some PHP89 million, thus its power supply was cut. The employees' union said they had 343 members on forced leave after the company stopped operations, according to reports.
