San Francisco de Malabon Church (https://www.facebook.com/thetimetrekker)
General Trias City, a first-class component city in Cavite, boasts a rich historical heritage and strong development potential, in the thriving region of Calabarzon.
Originally an agricultural municipality, it has progressed into an urbanized and industrialized city, consistently ranking as one of the most competitive and business-friendly locations in the region. In August 2015, General Trias was converted from a first-class municipality to a component city by virtue of Republic Act No. 10675.
Here are some of the important features that General Trias can offer to its residents and visitors.
Connectivity
Strategic infrastructure from both the national government and private sector has enhanced General Trias’ connectivity and accessibility.
An inland city with 33 barangays and a total land area of 8,700 ha, General Trias is well connected to neighboring municipalities such as Noveleta, Imus, Kawit, Dasmariñas, Silang, Amadeo, Tanza, and Rosario. It is also close to key tourist destinations in Southern Luzon, including Taal and Anilao in Batangas, as well as Laguna.
As a prime city in Cavite, General Trias benefits from major infrastructure projects like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) expansion, the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEx), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx), and upcoming conveniences due to the LRT-1 Cavite extension and Sangley Airport.
(https://www.generaltrias.gov.ph)
In June this year, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. announced plans for a 25-km toll road connecting the proposed Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and CALAx, offering a direct route from Mariveles to General Trias.
Natural resources
The topography of General Trias City ranges from flat to gently rolling, with deeply incised river channels. Most of the land is classified as “alienable and disposable,” designated for infrastructure, utilities, residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and agricultural purposes, all supporting the city’s socioeconomic development.
Eagle Ridge Golf Estate (https://staluciarealty.com)
General Trias is also rich in water resources, with both surface and groundwater available. The city is home to seven major river systems: Rio Grande (Malabon River), Ylang Ylang River, Pasong Camachile River, Matangilan River, Panaysayan River, Pulonan River, and Cañas River. Among these, the Rio Grande has the largest drainage area, covering approximately 3,840 ha.
Hospitals
A city’s growth and efficiency are evident in the availability of healthcare facilities for its residents.
General Trias boasts of four major medical centers: GenTri Medical Center and Hospital, Gentri Doctors Medical Center, Divine Grace Medical Center, and the government-owned City of General Trias Medicare Hospital. These institutions are well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the community.
GenTri Medical Center and Hospital (http://wikimapia.org)
Educational institutions
Quality educational institutions also abound in General Trias City. Among the esteemed universities that have campuses here include the Lyceum of the Philippines, Cavite State University, General Trias College of Cavite, and AMA University Town.
Tourism
For tourism, General Trias has heritage rich locations like the San Francisco de Malabon Church and the GBR Museum featuring an authentic collection of antiquarian 19th and 20th century photographs of old Manila, such as environs and scenes from the Philippine-Spanish War and World War II. The collection shows the Filipino forefathers’ way of life, struggle, heroism, and triumph.
Yume at Riverpark makes for a great property investment. (https://www.federalresidences.com)
The city has its own niche sites to visit like the Eagle Ridge Golf Estate, which is one of the biggest golf courses in Southeast Asia, as well as several resorts and waterparks that are perfect for the mostly summer season of the country.
Economic activities
Calabarzon has long been a viable location for manufacturing.
Infrastructure projects here have facilitated the ease of transport of manufactured goods from the industrial parks of this region to other parts of the country, particularly in Metro Manila. This has resulted in Cavite attracting businesses, essentially transforming the province into a major industrial hub in South Luzon.
As a first-class component city, General Trias hosts big names in the manufacturing, semiconductor, and real estate industries. Gateway Business Park, one of the premier industrial parks in the region, is located in this city. The Cavite Economic Zone, spanning Rosario and General Trias, is also one of the biggest job generators in the province.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Comprehensive Development Plan of General Trias City 2020-2029, generaltrias.gov.ph, gatewaybusinesspark.com.ph, cavite.gov.ph, asterra.com.ph