Dec. 20, 2004 -SARANGANI Province-A Singaporean investor engaged in palmoil production has started expanding its operations, according toSarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez.

Dominguez said that CK Chiang of Singapore, which has existing palm oilplantations and oil mills in Bohol, Agusan Del Sur and Palawan provinces,bought a 300-hectare piece of land in Maitum and Kiamba towns.

Dominguez said planting could take place early next year.

"This is just the start. We will try to find more areas for palm oilplantation once the project kicks off. We will convince and encourage ourfarmers to plant palm oil as we need at least a 10,000-hectare plantationbefore a palm oil mill can be put up," he said.