Business Opportunity in Lucena City: The Case of Healthcare Industry

This study aims to determine the significant factors affecting the likelihood of being a locality-of-choice for healthcare investment and to establish the reasons why patients from Lucena City and nearby towns have to be referred out to Manila for further care and diagnostic reasons. To support the min thrust of the study, primary data were collected from selected respondents; likewise, secondary data were collected from appropriate local and governmental agencies. Analysis of data revealed that Lucena City is a vibrant city attractive to healthcare investors as proven by the fact that there is opportunity for them to enter into the healthcare market. An estimated 8 billion pesos is up for grabs for these would-be investors. Proper infrastructures are in place within the city, and the ample supply supply of qualified healthcare professionals are all merit points for Lucena to pour in healthcare investment money. The local government is however enjoined to streamline investment permit processing and offer tax incentives to new entrants. In the short term, Lucena City would become a healthcare investment destination and as a consequence, creat employment opportunities for the community. In the long run, the boom in healthcare market/industry in Lucena would result to economic empowerment for the city and most importantly for the residents.