AMID the controversies faced by officials of San Simon town against some of its investors, the local government over the weekend held its annual business summit.

Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. hosted the summit, which was aimed at strengthening the partnership between public and private sector.

"A strong public-private partnership is essential in strengthening the economic growth of a municipality, and one of the keys to achieve it is to communicate with the investors," he said.

In his speech, Punsalan took the opportunity to ensure businessmen of the clean and honest governance under his administration.

"There may be bumps in the legislative body but rest assured that my office is not involved in such kinds of activities, if there are really any," he said.

He also asked investors to help him identify local government officials and employees who harass in any way their businesses by reporting them to him.

"Just call me any time, any day. Even if it is in the middle of the night, I will answer your calls and we will do what is right," he said.