THE Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) has presented its projects and programs to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
MBCCI Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon, who paid a courtesy visit to Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Friday, July 5, said they briefed the new governor on the initiatives sustained by the chamber since the time of the previous administration.
Carbon said these projects include support to women entrepreneurs, "rice and road" project, Damutan Valley Development, mangrove forest conservation and cattle industry development, among others.
"It's good that the thinking of the governor is that the development projects should be based on research," he said, adding that Lacson's development direction is also aligned with that of the business chamber.
The governor, in his message during the inaugural session of the Provincial Board last week, said that in order to boost the Negros economy, the Provincial Government will step up efforts to create jobs and provide opportunities for Negrenses.
Lacson said the province shall create an environment that is friendly to big investments, believing that the entry of which can generate jobs and employment.
The public-private partnership, he said, should be pursued to promote cooperation between public and private sectors in realizing the development agenda.
"Surely, the Negros economy will remain vibrant in the coming days," he said, adding the Provincial Government will play a vital role in the economic and financial cycle and the realization of our people's dreams and ambitions.
The efforts of MBCCI on helping small enterprises from different cities and municipalities like linking them to government agencies, according to the governor, will be better if supported by a study.
Carbon said Lacson suggested that for one locality, for instance, there should be a research to identify what kind of business and how big is needed in the area.
For MBCCI, the development plan should also include saturating not only the local market but eventually provincial, island, regional to national market.
"We will tap other state universities and colleges in the province in doing the research," Carbon said, adding that in fact, they already have partnership with Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Talisay City on conducting a study on how to conserve and rehabilitate mangroves.
Also present during the courtesy call were MBCCI president Roberto Montelibano and secretary lawyer Juliana Carbon.