HERMOSA, Bataan — Top executives of Japan-based Sumitomo Wiring Systems, (SWS) Ltd. and Bataan local officials on Tuesday inaugurated the second plant of Sumi Philippines Wiring Systems Corporation (SPWS) inside the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park in Barangay Palihan of this first class municipality.

SPWS President Takeshi Morikawa, SWS Senior Managing Director Masami Makido, and other Japanese officials led their traditional inaugural rites.

Bataan Governor Abet Garcia, first district Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, and Hermosa Mayor Jopet Inton graced the event together with Hermosa Ecozone Director Felicito C. Payumo, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zone manager Idelmira Pestio, DTI Bataan provincial director Nelin Ocson Cabahug and other national and local agencies representatives.

The first SPWS plant facility in Hermosa started in 2011 which became operational in 2012 and presently employs 5,000 workers. Recruitment for more workers in this Ecozone continues not just for SPWS but for a number of locators who recently poured their investments in.

SPWS’ mother company, Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., was founded in 1917 in Yokkaichi, Japan, and manufactures and sells wiring harnesses, harness components, and other electric wires for automobiles and office equipment in Japan and with subsidiaries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Governor Garcia lauded the expansion of SPWS, emphasizing that this new development will further boost the provincial government’s vision for Bataan to be the preferred eco-industrial investment site.

“Karagdagang 2 libong job opportunities para sa ating mga kababayan aside from the already existing 5,000 workers here. Ako po ay natutuwa dahil marami na naman tayong kababayan na magkakaroon ng disenteng trabaho para magkaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay,” the governor told this reporter.

Mayor Jopet Inton, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to SPWS for giving its trust and confidence to Hermosa for hosting again the company’s upcoming wiring harness plant. Inton also acknowledged the big economic impact of the company not only for the people of Hermosa but the whole province as well.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Roman told 1Bataan.com that she is working out on a bill in congress for equal job opportunities for all.

“Several human rights groups suggested it to me, some sort of a magna carta for equal employment opportunities for all. This will also cover not just the senior citizens as well as the LGBT community and differently abled persons,” Roman told local reporters.