"THE signals are good."
This was stressed by Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), as he expressed optimism that Western Visayas economic recovery is on the way.
Carbon, also the operator of Weesam Express, cited that as ferry service between the Cities of Bacolod and Iloilo resumed, the initial volume of passengers and cargoes is encouraging.
"Hang on, we're almost there," he said, adding that Western Visayas is now open for business amid the unhampered movement of people and goods.
The business leader further cited the opening of Sipalay City, one of the major tourist arrival contributors of Negros Occidental, to visitors and tourists.
Also, hotels in Bacolod City are ready to accept visitors and tourists. Food delivery services are thriving.
The SM Hotel will open anytime now, Carbon said, adding that traders in the region have committed to restart their trading activities.
The MBCCI official also stressed that small businesses have started to avail of rehabilitation loan programs of the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
He earlier said the LBP, through its Rise Up Program, is ready to assist local government units (LGUs) in their financial needs to implement programs that will increase the confidence of the businesses to open up and reinvest.
Carbon also said Bacolod City is now ready to open for business, citing mainly the downward trend in the daily number of new confirmed coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
"The National Inter-Agency Task Force is encouraging LGUs to start stirring up their local economy," the business leader said, adding that "Bacolod City today, tomorrow is the whole region."*