BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia received a special recognition from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in connection with the “2018 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit” contest.
PCCI recognized Leonardia for “exemplifying commendable initiatives towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investment and significantly contribute to local economic development.”
The mayor faced the panel of judges in a “question and answer” session after he did a presentation on Bacolod’s accomplishments and initiatives in the four award criteria, at the PCCI Headquarters in Manila Tuesday, October 9.
“It is always exciting and stimulating when you face off with the panel of successful businessmen and respected personalities from the academe and national government agencies. It makes me proud when I share with these high profile business and industry leaders what is happening in Bacolod and where is our city headed to. I believe this experience provides us an effective vehicle to promote the prevailing healthy business environment that could serve as a magnet to investments,” Leonardia said.
Bacolod City is competing in the Most Business-Friendly LGU – City Level 1 category. The other 12 finalists are the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Malabon, Zamboanga, Tacloban, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Mandaue, and Iloilo.
City Planning and Development Office coordinator Mary Jean Ramos, City Development Council vice chairman George Zulueta, Permits and Licensing Division head Stela Rose Rayos, and Local Economic and Investment Promotions officer Jonah Javier also attended the event.
The "Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards" is an annual search spearheaded by the PCCI, the biggest organization of businessmen in the country.
The four award criteria under the Essential Indicators are (1) fast-tracking Sustainable Local Economic Development; (2) Improvement of Ease of Doing Business.; (3) Investment Promotion Initiatives; and (4) Initiatives to Enhance Industry/Sectoral Competitiveness.
In 2007, the PCCI had chosen Bacolod, as the “Most Business-Friendly City” in the country.
Last year, Bacolod City was one of the Top 3 finalists in the same contest. It was the only highly urbanized city outside of Metro Manila included in the Top 3.
This year’s awarding ceremony will be held on October 18 to 19 during the 44th Philippine Business Conference & Expo, with the theme, “Infrastructure & Digital Economy: The Game Changer.” (PR)