Federalism and the Federal State of Central Luzon

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The talks about the restructuring of the government system has been a recurring issue in the past. The plan of federalizing Philippines was first advocated in 1982. It was initially proposed as a viable alternative to dictatorship that involves distribution of government powers that is previously concentrated in the national government. The proposal was anchored on the idea of sharing both the political and economic power with the regional and local government throughout the nation. Later on the proposal was scrapped when we adopted the Democratic form of government. With a new administration leading the country, the topic of transitioning into a federal government has once again been brought up into conversation. It is expected that more changes are coming. It is sure to affect the economic landscape of the country, prices of products, and even house and lots for sale all over the country.

Luzon, as the biggest island in the Philippines with a population of 48.52 million (2010) on its 104,688 km² land area, is sure to receive impactful changes brought by the government reform. In the proposal of Former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. about federalism, it is stated that the island of Luzon should be divided into four Federal States: The Federal State of Northern Luzon, the Federal State of Central Luzon, the Federal State of Southern Tagalog, and the Federal State of Bicol.

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The Federal State of Central Luzon will be comprised of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. It will cover 14 cities including Balanga, Malolos, Mecauayan, San Jose Del Monte, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Munoz Science City, Palayan, San Jose, Angeles, Mabalacat, San Fernando, Tarlac, and Olongapo. These cities will play a vital role in being trade centers with Tarlac City as the capital of the State. There will also be 116 municipalities and a total of 3,102 barangays under the said federal state.

Central Luzon is rich in timber and mineral resources (both metallic and non-metallic). Aurora is known for its timber; Zambales for its refractory chromite, copper and nickel deposits; Tarlac for Manganese; Bulacan for marble; Pampanga for sand and gravel; and Nueva Ecija for feldspar. These resources will probably play a key role in sustaining the Federal State of Central Luzon.

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As economic and political power will be distributed among the federal states, there will be jobs available throughout the island. It will make it more ideal to purchase commercial space and house and lot in Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bulacan. These provinces can be a convergent zone for business and commerce that can contribute in the success of the Federal State of Central Luzon. As the center of the Philippine economy, the National Capital Region has a higher labor rate compared to those in the provinces.

Federalism, from the perspective mentioned may be the solution to some of the economic problems that the country is facing now. However, time will tell if this is the best direction for our country. Let’s just all keep an open mind on the possibilities that the future may offer. And who knows, maybe the Federal State of Central Luzon is just what we need.