INTRODUCTION
Today marks a historic event for Pangasinan. We are deeply honored and appreciative of the presence of his excellency Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad — the first head of government to visit the province of Pangasinan — for taking his time out to give his blessings to this major endeavor, the laying of the foundation for the Proton Wira plant. This occasion affirms the strong partnership for progress of Malaysia and the Philippines.

I would like to return the compliment by committing and rendering my all-out support to ensure the success of this major cooperative endeavor.

The result of a continuous negotiations between Malaysia and the Philippines, this project will spearhead industrialization in this part of Luzon by giving our countrymen greater opportunities for employment and technology transfer through a hi-tech export enterprise under the ASEAN Industrial Joint Venture (AJIY) program.

Filipino professionals and skilled workers from this area need not leave the country to look for jobs but instead be able to utilize and showcase their talent through this joint Malaysian-Philippine pride — the proton.
THE “ALASUMA” GROWTH CORRIDOR
As part of the government’s balanced agri-industrial development program, I am convinced that the municipalities of Alaminos, Sual and Mabini can become the core of a new growth area to be developed as an ideal location for industries, especially those for exports. This area, with the Proton Pilipinas factory as the core could be called the “Alasuma” Corridor.

I hereby direct all concerned government agencies, with the department of trade and industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agencies, to work in full support to implement this initiative. I would like to see in the very near future the “Alasuma” corridor to host the major ancillary industries that will produce engines, transmissions and other automotive components. I also request speaker Jose de Venecia of the House of Representatives and Senate President Pro Tempore Leticia Ramos-Shahani to mobilize maximum congressional support for this area development plan.
CLOSING
I commend the Malaysian industrialists and their Filipino counterparts for the fast-track progress of this project. It has been barely 30 days since the release of the license to Proton Pilipinas corporation and work has been moving at a very fast pace.

My appreciation also goes to the provincial and local officials, particularly Governor Agbayani, Congressman Orbos, vice-governor Shahani, Alaminos Mayor Rivera and Mabini Mayor De Guzman, and the people of the province of Pangasinan whose support for this project demonstrates their collective commitment to our shared vision of “Philippines 2000!!!”.

I am pleased to note that the municipal councils of Alaminos and Mabini have granted municipal fees and tax incentives.

I also thank Proton Pilipinas for taking a positive step in the preservation of our environment, through the planting of trees along the perimeter of the plant area. Let us multiply our cleaning and greening efforts starting today.

As we watch these trees grow, we shall be reminded of the ever-growing partnership between the governments and peoples of Malaysia, led by their Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his First Lady, Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and the Philippines, and our other brother ASEANs.

Mabuhay ang Proton Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Alasuma!

Mabuhay ang pagkakaisa ng Pilipinas at Malaysia — long live Philippine-Malaysian unity!

Thank you.