STO. TOMAS, Pampanga—This smallest town of the province, which is the pottery and casket capital of Pampanga, can attract more investors, businessmen, traders, and economic activity if the North Luzon Expressway opens a new interchange here.
Mayor John Sambo said he is inviting the North Luzon Expressway to open a new interchange in Barangay Rosario Pau to spur the town’s development.
The opening of the interchange will create more economic activities that will result in more employment and livelihood for the 38,062 residents of the town based on the 2010 census, Sambo said.
The mayor said Sto. Tomas would then be accessible to investors and traders interested in their products, like export quality pottery, ceramics, caskets, and poultry products.
Once opened, the new NLEX interchange would also be accessible via proposed connecting road that will run as far as Barangay San Bartolome, at the western tip of the town.
The NLEX now maintains the Sto. Domingo exit in Minalin, Pampanga, but it causes heavy traffic during the daily rush hours and holidays.
At present, a prominent fast food chain, supermarkets, banks, and other establishments are operating in the area employing mostly residents.
“Business permits in this fourth-class municipality can be obtained within one week as prescribed by the law,” he said.
To support his plan for the municipality, about 80 students of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University here were adopted as scholars.
Scholars must obtain a grade of 80 percent in order to sustain their scholarship. Those who can make it are awarded P1,000 per semester.
With sound planning and investment in education, the mayor believes Sto.Tomas will prosper in the near future.