BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia received a special recognition from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the final judging of the 2019 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Award recently.
Bacolod City was once again short-listed by the PCCI as a national finalist for City Level 1B category.
The PCCI recognized Leonardia for “exemplifying commendable initiatives towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contribute to local economic development.”
The plaque for special recognition was signed by PCCI president Ma. Alegria Sibal- Limjoco, LGU awards chair Jose Alejandro and conference chairpersons William Co and Samie Lim.
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 Taguig, Metro Manila Wednesday, October 2.
City Planning and Development Office head 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 LGU Awards is an annual search of 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, also during the administration of Leonardia, the PCCI had chosen Bacolod, as the “Most Business-Friendly City” in the country.
In 2017, 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 17 during the 45th Philippine Business Conference & Expo, with the theme, “Enabling Business in a Digital Economy.” (PR)