ILOILO City – Through thick and thin, the business sector here has proven itself to be a reliable partner of the city government.
At the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, for instance, the sector’s stakeholders extended their resources to the city government to help Iloilo weather the pandemic’s adverse effects on the local economy and health of the Ilonggos, among others.
This year, as the city celebrates its 86th Charter Day, the city government is honoring the business sector and exemplary Ilonggos for their significant contributions to the metro’s progress. The Charter Day celebration theme this year encapsulates this: “Trailblazing Ilonggos leading the way to sustainable progress.”
Among the awards to be given are the Top 10 real property tax (RPT) and business tax payers. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) is one of top corporations to be honored today. Aside from its dutiful and prompt payment of taxes, it consistently supports the various developmental undertakings of the city government.
Among others, SMPHI and the Iloilo City Government collaborate to carry out one of the most remarkable infrastructure projects in the metro – the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal markets.
To further mark Iloilo City’s Charter anniversary, SM City has come up with fun and exciting activities to treat the Ilonggos. Mallgoers can shop up and avail themselves up to 50 percent off on great finds during SM City Iloilo’s The Big Iloilo Sale from Aug 21 to 27.
Last week, sports enthusiasts enjoyed the Kickboxing and Arnis Competition (Aug. 14 to 18) at SM City Iloilo’s Cyberzone Event Area.
This week, another sport event will be held at SM City Iloilo – the National Dart Competition on Aug. 25 to 27 at the mall’s SM South Point.
The Charter Day Job Fair on Aug. 26 at SM City Iloilo’s Main Mall Event Center also awaits job seekers.
One can also chill and relax by joining the Iloilo Artists Showcase such the “Regional Reflections: Art at the Heart of our Films”, an exhibit on Ilonggo filmmaking from Aug. 25 to 31 and the “Bulawan nga Usa” exclusive film screening featuring cast and crew led by Kevin Piamonte at Cinema 1 also today, Aug. 25.
On Aug. 18, Ilonggos, especially the teens, rocked at the free concert “Road to Fusion Iloilo” featuring Al JAmes and Ilonggo talents at SM South Point.
SM City also hosts the Iloilo Tourism Booth from Aug. 18 to 27 at SM City North Point and the Ilonggo Entrepreneurs Digital Features which can be accessed through different social media pages.
As Iloilo City marks its Charter Day, the city government’s highlighting of its partnership with the business sector is truly remarkable. It is an acknowledgement of the sector’s key role in fostering Iloilo’s economic growth, community development, and the enhancement of the city residents’ overall wellbeing.
Collaboration allows for better infrastructure, job creation, and investment opportunities, while also ensuring that policies are aligned with the needs of both the businesses and the local population.
This partnership can lead to a more sustainable and prosperous Iloilo City by leveraging each other’s strengths and resources./PN
