3rd District towns collaborate for economic dev’t

MAYORS of the nine towns in the third district of Iloilo presented on Wednesday to stakeholders what their towns can offer as far as economic development is concerned.

The Integrated Central Iloilo Alliance for Economic Development (ICIAED) composed of the towns of Cabatuan, Maasin, Mina, Pototan, Badiangan, Bingawan, Lambunao, Janiuay, and Calinog conducted a program presentation with development partners at the Provincial Capitol Boardroom Wednesday.

All third district mayors, except Mayor Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao who was in Manila for official business, were present in the meeting which was also graced by Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.

Representatives from the departments of Interior and Local Government; Trade and Industry; Science and Technology; Agriculture; National Irrigation Administration; National Economic Development Authority; Iloilo Business Club; and several non-government organizations listened to the presentation of the mayors.

Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon, ICIAED spokesperson, said the activity intended to gather inputs from the stakeholders that they could use to enhance cooperation among their members.

Mamon said the ICIAED was created to boost the partnership among the nine municipalities of the third district particularly in the fields of business, agriculture, tourism, and many others.

Defensor lauded the third district mayors for their initiative, which, he believes, could offer great development potentials for the province.

Defensor added that the inter-local government cooperation among the nine municipalities would redound to the benefit of the people. (PR)