The opening of Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) in Virac is more than just the arrival of another retail player — it represents a turning point in Catanduanes’ long-standing pursuit of economic growth. For years, the province has struggled with limited commercial options, sluggish competition, and outflowing consumer spending. LCC’s entry breaks this cycle, signaling that Catanduanes is now ready to participate more actively in regional development. When a major Bicol brand decides to invest in the island, it sends a clear message: Catanduanes is open for business.
More importantly, LCC brings with it one of the most valuable currencies in any community — employment opportunities. Dozens of Catandunganons, from fresh graduates to skilled workers, now have access to stable jobs without needing to leave the island. In a province where many families depend on remittances from relatives working in Bicol or Manila, every local job created is a direct step toward reducing economic migration. Employment is empowerment, and LCC has become a much-needed gateway for residents to support their families while staying rooted in their own communities.
But the ripple effect goes far beyond store staffing. With LCC committed to sourcing fruits, vegetables, and other goods from local farmers, the agricultural sector is poised to experience renewed vitality. Farmers, long burdened by inconsistent buyers and low farmgate prices, now have a reliable partner that values local produce. This guaranteed market can encourage higher production, better crop planning, and increased income — a cycle of progress that benefits not just individual farmers but entire rural communities.
The presence of LCC also pressures existing players to innovate, upgrade, and compete fairly — a necessary shake-up in a market that has long been stagnant. Healthy competition ultimately benefits consumers through lower prices, better services, and more choices. As more investors see the economic potential of Catanduanes, the opening of LCC could trigger a chain reaction, inspiring other businesses to follow suit and invest in the island’s growing market.
In the end, LCC’s arrival is not simply a commercial expansion; it is a vote of confidence in the people of Catanduanes. It proves that progress is possible when investments meet vision and when communities are ready to embrace change. The challenge now is for local leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens to capitalize on this momentum — to transform this single development into a broader economic awakening. Catanduanes deserves growth, and today, with LCC’s doors open, the path toward a more vibrant future becomes clearer than ever. | Editorial | BicolRadyoPeryodikotV
