BACOLOD City – The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) expressed high hopes for further growth of rural areas in Negros Occidental under the new provincial leadership.
“We are bullish with the new set of provincial officials,” said MBCCI chief executive officer Frank Carbon.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., whose third and final term ends on June 30, will be succeeded by vice governor Jose Eugenio Lacson.
Lacson earlier said he will work with outgoing 3rd District Rep. Alfredo Benitez as his consultant on economic development in a bid to push for more infrastructure projects outside Bacolod City and bring in more investors to the province.
Carbon, meanwhile, welcomed the incoming governor’s thinking on business and investment since this is what Negros Occidental needs.
“We expect that incoming governor Lacson will sustain the gains initiated by the outgoing governor, particularly those geared towards inclusive growth,” he said.
The MBCCI is consisted of at least 150 member-companies and more than 20 business associations in Negros Occidental.
The business group has been pushing for bringing in investment to the agricultural areas, including fishery, in the province. They also help local startups through seminars, training and trade events.
“We keep on thinking about export while there are still opportunities locally, including here in Negros Occidental. We are thinking of developing our home, resources and domestic market.” Carbon said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
