JJC Group Development Asia Sdn. Bhd. (JJC) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with The Municipal Government of Bataraza (Local Government Unit / LGU) on June 18, 2024, to develop “Bataraza: The Smart City.”

This Memorandum of Agreement is further to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between JJC and LGU dated 30^th November 2023.

The Municipal Government of Bataraza was represented by HON. ABRAHAM M. IBBA, Bataraza Mayor. While, JJC Group Development Asia Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, was represented by SIR JISMIT BIN JAPONG, President & CEO.

The Municipality of Bataraza, located at the southernmost tip of the Palawan mainland, is approximately 150 km north of the Sabah mainland. Palawan is renowned for its beaches and untouched natural environments, attracting many tourists each year. Similarly, tourism is the second largest industry in Sabah. Geographically, the municipality has great potential to be a gateway connecting the Philippines and Sabah, and Malaysia as a whole, facilitating trade and tourism.

The municipality’s large amount of cleared or planted agricultural land also minimizes the need for greenfield site clearing, and the Local Government Unit has been welcoming of foreign investment.

Development Objectives:

1. Sustainable, Resilient, and Smart City: Focus on sustainable city development with smart connectivity, advanced infrastructure management, green spaces, environmental protection, and resilient planning.
2. Economic and Tourism Development: Promote eco-tourism, develop new tourism attractions, create economic platforms, integrate technological hubs, and ensure long-term economic growth for Bataraza.
3. Enhanced Public Services and Education: Improve public safety with technological integrations, offer innovative healthcare solutions including international telemedicine, and enhance education with high-quality institutions.

Development Details:

• Project estimated budget: USD 8.0 billion, funded by JJC with an international consortium.
• Land area: Over 2,000 hectares.
• Key components include:
  1. City Infrastructure: New highways, water treatment facilities, power supply facilities, fire safety facilities, and city safety facilities.
  2. Transportation Hubs: An airport, a seaport, and an integrated transportation system.
  3. Five Units of Five-Star Hotels: Including 5-star hotels and resort.
  4. Tourist and Event Attractions: Existing and new eco-tourism products, a theme park, convention centre, stadium, Formula 1 racetrack, cable car system, and more.
  5. Commercial & Residential Spaces: Shopping malls, a new city core, and various residential spaces.
  6. Municipal Buildings: A new Local Government office tower, Bataraza Tower.

All transactions and Development Components will adhere to Philippine laws and respect the indigenous people of the area.

The Development will commence at the first Barangay of Bataraza, Inogbong, and subsequently spread to the other Barangays of Bataraza.

Further details will be announced once the Development Components are finalised. Some components will follow a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model with the LGU. JJC will establish subsidiaries and a local presence to carry out and manage the Development, prioritising local consultants, contractors, and manpower from Bataraza and Palawan.

The LGU and JJC aim to create a city that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and resilient. The designs presented by local consultants respect Bataraza’s heritage, environment, community, and people, while also considering the future generations as well.