BOTOLAN, Zambales — Building on the success of its 2024 infrastructure initiatives, the local government unit (LGU) of Botolan is gearing up for over ₱200 million worth of major development projects in 2025, solidifying its status as a first-class municipality in Zambales.
Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane announced during his recent State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) that the LGU will undertake four key projects this year, funded through a Land Bank facility. These include:
- Municipal Administrative Building: ₱24.9 million
- Municipal Motor Pool: ₱15 million
- Municipal Commercial Building: ₱90 million
- Commercial Spaces at the New Taugtog Resettlement Area: ₱70 million
“These projects will drive economic growth, generate new revenue streams, enhance government services, and create new jobs for our constituents,” Ebdane said.
In addition, the LGU is acquiring 10.7 hectares of land valued at ₱26.97 million to support the expansion of government operations and programs. The planned sites will host essential facilities, including:
- A municipal motor pool
- New fire and police stations
- A Municipal Agri-Demo Center for agricultural initiatives like dairy development
- A materials recovery facility for improved waste management
- A new barangay government site in Eastern Nacolcol
The LGU is also working to secure land titles for government facilities such as the Polytechnic College of Botolan, currently situated on privately titled lots.
2024 Accomplishments
Ebdane highlighted the administration’s achievements in 2024, including the completion of ₱41.8 million worth of infrastructure projects funded by the town’s 20% Development Fund and ₱12 million allocated for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
The LGU also invested in education and technology, with ₱8.5 million in college scholarships, ₱4.12 million for high school students, and the procurement of IT equipment to establish the first smart classroom in Zambales. With the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the LGU provided internet access to remote Ayta communities using Star Link satellite technology.
Recognitions and Awards
Botolan earned national recognition in 2024, including the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) with a ₱1.3-million incentive and the Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award with a ₱150,000 grant. The municipality also received a “Gawad Timpukan” award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and topped Zambales’ High Value Crop Development Program with its “Gulayan sa Barangay” initiative.
Economic and Demographic Highlights
Botolan, the largest municipality in Zambales by land area, is a significant economic contributor with a reported revenue of ₱494.2 million in 2023, according to the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index. The municipality comprises 31 barangays and had a population of 66,739 as of the 2020 census.
Mayor Ebdane emphasized that these projects and initiatives aim to sustain the town’s growth momentum and enhance the quality of life for its residents. “Together, we will continue to make Botolan a model of inclusive progress,” he said.