IN RECOGNITION of the City Government of Bacolod's development efforts despite the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Chinese Embassy donated an ambulance worth P1.7 million to the city on Monday, December 6.

Amity Club Corporate Secretary Crispin Chua, who described the donation as a "gift from the heavens," said this is the first time the Chinese Embassy made a donation to the city.

"They (Chinese) saw how the city of Bacolod has progressed under Mayor Evelio Leonardia," Chua added.

Leonardia lauded the cooperation between the business sector and the local government unit (LGU) as a "potent force" that will continue to pave the way for Bacolod City to reach new heights in the future.

The cooperation between the LGU and the private sector is an ideal climate for investors, the City Government said.

Also, it is a testimonial to the fact that Bacolod was recently named the Most Business-Friendly LGU for 2021 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it added.

"We have a government that is business-friendly and we also have a business sector that is friendly to the government. If these two come together, we become a potent force (to spur progress)," Leonardia said during the turnover of the ambulance to Amity Club Chairman Johnny Yap, board of directors, and volunteers.

Bacolod and Davao are the only cities in the Philippines that received donations from the Chinese Embassy.

Leonardia said that for 44 long years, the Amity has been making its presence felt in Bacolod by helping out communities.

"It is not just gratifying but also flattering. I salute the Amity because it was given the privilege by the Chinese Embassy. I am very happy with that and I am grateful that this happened because this will benefit the people of Bacolod," the mayor added. (PR)