Citation a ‘sure shot’ for Bacolod economy

BACOLOD CITY – The city received a special citation in the Most BusinessFriendly LGU Highly Urbanized City Category from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for maintaining a 15 percent growth in the number of new business enterprises over the years.

PCCI awarded the special citation on the first day of Philippine Business Conference and Expo Wednesday at the Manila Hotel in Manila City.

The city is one of the finalists in the Most Business-Friendly LGU Level 1 (Highly Urbanized City) Category, and the winner will be announced today.

Bacolod is the only city to receive such a citation outside of Metro Manila, and Mayor Evelio Leonardia said this is a “sure shot” for the city to attract more investors.

“This award is one of those we treasure the most… because we know what it means for the city,” Leonardia said, referring to Bacolod’s extraordinary growth.

Leonardia said the award impacts on the business situation in the city, adding that Bacolod has something that made giant companies fight against a piece of land for developing their businesses.

He said PCCI has recognized Bacolod as an economic hotspot and maintaining that reputation will a big challenge because of the competition from other cities.

If Bacoleños cooperate with each other, achieving awards like this will be easier, Leonardia said.

“Being in competition give us inspiration and courage to try new ventures for Bacolod and out the maximum potential within us that could benefit other people,” he said.

Leonardia emphasized that Bacolod is also aiming for inclusive growth, and that it is important for the city to embrace it to help marginalized residents.