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Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is accompanied by Laguna Gov. Teresita “Ningning” S. Lazaro during the ceremonial inauguration of Ford Philippines’ P1.1 Billion Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna yesterday, reaffirming Ford’s commitment to manufacturing in the Philippines, particularly in Laguna, and its ongoing efforts to help develop the local biofuel industry.
Also present to accompany the President were Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Dept. of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes, US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission to the Philippines Rick Haynes, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa VP for Marketing, Sales and Services Dave Alden, and Ford Philippines Pres. Rick Baker.
The world-class facility is Ford’s first to produce FFV engines in ASEAN, highlighting the Philippine’s role as Ford’s Center of Excellence in FFV technology for the region. The Sta. Rosa plant will manufacture E20 FFV engines, which are capable of running on traditional gasoline only or a mix that contains up to 20% bio-ethanol fuel, to be used in the Ford Focus 1.8L and 2.0L models produced for both domestic and export markets.
The FFV engines will also be exported to South Africa , expanding Ford Philippines ’ export program into global markets outside the ASEAN region. The plant was chosen from among several of Ford’s world-class engine facilities to supply engines to South Africa , recognizing its global competitiveness for both quality and cost efficiencies.
In an interview, Gov. Lazaro stressed that she is determined to keep Laguna as one of the nation’s most peaceful and fastest growing areas through her administration’s Sulong Kalakalan at Industriya trade and industry program and the Sulong Kapayapaan at Kaayusan peace and order program under the flagship 7-Point Agenda. “I extend my deep gratitude to Ford Philippines for its confidence and continued investment in the blessed province of Laguna ,” Gov. Lazaro also said. # (PIO-Laguna)
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