"I would prefer that this were an inauguration of the project itself." Thus were the words of Bulacan's maverick lady-governor, Josie M. dela Cruz, during the ground-breaking ceremonies of the Bulacan Packaging Services and Toll-Packing Center at the Hiyas Convention Grounds. The occasion coincided with the birthday of Gov. Josie last February 24, 2005.

The Packaging Center has been a long-time dream of the Governor. Her administration supports the growth of local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate domestic economic activity and sustain the anti-poverty thrusts of the government. Packaging development has been identified as a priority area to make Bulacan products globally competitive. The establishment of this center seals the many development programs for the province that boasts of more than 30,000 registered MSMEs.

Vice-Governor Rely Plamenco explained the many benefits of packaging. "Our products can make it even to the international markets, but without proper packaging to prolong their shelf-life, they won't get that far." This is a necessary competitive advantage if we want our products to hit the export market. Vice-Gov. Rely stressed that aside from making the products attractive, good packaging also addresses the shelf life of food products.

Working closely with the Provincial Government on this project is PCCI Vice-President for SME Development, Dr. Raul Hernandez, who is Project Consultant. DOST Regional Director Conrado Oliveros and the Packaging Research and Development Center were key players in the realization of this project. The Department of Science and Technology is providing the packaging machineries. The Bulacan State University through its food-testing facilities will determine whether the products are within specified standards. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry will handle marketing interventions.

The Governor challenged the DTI to identify the priority products for the province. With all the concerned sectors involved under the tutelage of packaging expert Dr. Hernandez, Gov. Josie is confident, her program objectives will be achieved within the desired period of time. PCEDO Chief Obet Saguinsin says the project is set to take-off and will be finished within a period of three (3) months. The site of the project is the vacant lot adjacent to the Hiyas Convention Center and will stand side-by-side with the Local Governance Training Center.