Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Chairman Lance Gokongwei expressed confidence in the country’s vibrant economy and conducive investment climate under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Gokongwei made the remark as President Marcos led the inauguration of URC’s new flour milling plant in Sariaya, Quezon on Friday.

In his speech during the plant’s inauguration, Gokongwei highlighted the company’s PhP5.4-billion investment as a testament to its unwavering support for improving food security, agricultural productivity, and the grain sector in the Philippines.

“This PhP5.4-billion investment is an affirmation of our confidence in our economy and the conducive invest climate created in our country by our dear president [President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Gokongwei said in his speech.

“It’s also a concrete manifestation of our steadfast support to improving our nation’s food security fully aligned into the priorities of his excellency, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sec. Kiko Tiu Laurel to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthening the grain sector,” Gokongwei added.

He said the new plant establishes a strong foundation for advancing food production and security in the country, representing a significant step toward building an agricultural industry that truly serves the public in line with the administration’s goal.

Before concluding his speech, Gokongwei assured the government of URC’s continued commitment to being a responsible and forward-thinking leader in shaping the agricultural landscape of the Philippines.

URC’s Sariaya Plant will be operational by January 2025, with an annual production capacity of 297,000 metric tons of flour and 99,000 metric tons of bran and pollard.

The facility features fully automated flour-milling technology for cleaning, milling, flour storage silos, and packing sections. The plant is expected to directly employ 102 workers. | PND