While it is known as one of the thriving economies in Southern Luzon, the province of Batangas is able to stay true to its cultural heritage and preserve its natural offerings, allowing locals to enjoy the calm provincial life. It is this blend of progressiveness with laidback living that makes the province an attractive place to reside in.
Growing economy
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that Batangas was the third largest provincial economy in 2023, as it had a 3.1 percent share in the country’s national gross domestic product (GDP) at P645.78 billion. In the same year, the province was able to grow its GDP by 4.9 percent from P615.72 billion in the year before.
One of the province’s economic drivers is its strong industrial offerings as it houses an international port and several industrial zones, such as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered LIMA Estate in Lipa and Malvar, as well as the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, both of which attract investments and create jobs for locals.
Supporting its industrial strength, Batangas City, in particular, is known as “Industrial Port City of CALABARZON”, as it is home to the Batangas International Port–one of the busiest passenger and container terminals in the Philippines. Additionally, Batangas City is also recognized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as one of the digital cities with its growing potential to cater to the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector.
Accessibility
Aside from its international port, Batangas’ proximity to Metro Manila is one of its strongest advantages. With infrastructure projects such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway), the province can be accessed from Metro Manila in just a couple of hours.
Due to its proximity to the country’s capital, some residents even opt to travel to Metro Manila for work and then return to the province to enjoy the calmer and healthier environment.
Living closer to nature
Despite being developed to achieve economic progress, Batangas still has a lot to offer when it comes to its natural beauty, which makes it a popular destination for tourists, especially for those residing in the metro. Examples of these are its world-class dive sites in Anilao, the white-sand beaches of Laiya, and the scenic views that the Taal Volcano offers.
In the municipality of Malvar, in particular, residents are provided with a picturesque backdrop of Mt. Makiling, which adds a serene and suburban feel. Coupled with the wide-open spaces and clean air it offers, residents are offered a tranquil, laid-back form of living.
As it is able to combine economic progress while preserving its natural beauty and its provincial charm, Batangas is truly a province where you can seek opportunities for growth while enjoying the slow-paced days that life has to offer.
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