Official: Bacolod welcomes more ‘balikbayan’ investors
CITING the businessenabling climate and vast areas for commercial developments in Bacolod, an official said the Negros Occidental capital city is capable of welcoming more investors including “balikbayans.”
Councilor Bart Orola, who spoke at the opening of BSD Building at Barangay Mansilingan in Bacolod City yesterday, said the number of business establishments in the city has been increasing tremendously.
Orola, who the chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on markets, said aside from local and foreign investors, the city has also become an “interesting” area for “balikbayans” who want venture enterprising here.
“We have to continue promoting the vibrant business environment of Bacolod City in the international scene including those potential Bacoleñoinvestors based in abroad,” he said, adding that “inviting more balikbayans to invest here would translate to more employment opportunities for the people.”
The councilor cited Bacoleño couple Bryan is and Sheryl Dueñas, who developed about a thousand square meter residential area at Barangay Mansilingan into a twostory commercial building.
Orola said investment brought in by the Hongkong-based couple is seen to spur growth in the interior portion of the city. There are still many areas for development especially in the southern part, he said.
“We have to invite more balikbayans like them,” Orola said, as he assured that the city government continues to implement policies that can invite more investors like one-stop-shop business permit licensing.
The just-opened building has 20 commercial spaces that will cater to retail stores, food establishments, parlor, and bakery, among others. As of yesterday, about 50 percent is already occupied.
For the female Dueñas, they’ve learned that there have been many developments rising in the city so they decided to invest for a commercial space building here aside from their existing egg production business.
Given that the area is near to subdivisions and residences, she expressed confidence that tenants will have a sure market. “Through this structure, we hope to address the needs of the surrounding communities.”
For her husband, who is a pilot, the development is the realization of their family’s dream.
“We hope to eventually expand,” he said, quipping that “we will bring here the money from Hongkong.”
Meanwhile, also present during the event were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and first lady Elsa Leonardia.*