With HELEN J. CATALBAS
This column is about conversations, suggestions, updates and what-have-you on the subject of tourism and other matters in the Western Visayas region, Philippines and world. It is intended to be a market place of ideas leading to positive actions and reactions that will, hopefully, build communities.
THE DECLARATION of Western Visayas as the fastest growing region in the Philippines in 2022 by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) should be viewed both as reward and challenge at the same time.
It is a reward that makes all in Western Visayas deserving for their contribution to the economic well-being of this region. It is also a challenge to keep the region that way in the years to come.
If we all feel we Western Visayans contributed to make Western Visayas the fastest growing region last year, then let us congratulate ourselves. If economic growth alone defines this region, then we can say, that whatever indicators were used that led to this declaration then everyone and everything that contributed to this achievement is deserving of praise also.
On the other hand, having the “est” in any attribution is always a challenge whatever the category in life or death it will be. This time we refer to Western Visayas as the fastest growing region in the Philippines in the economic category. for the year 2022. If we ask residents in different economic strata of this region for confirmation or denial, we believe, they, too, have their own stories.
Observable economic milestones that to our mind contributed to the spectacular growth of this region composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras , Iloilo and Negros Occidental and the highly urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo last year were led by the construction boom brought about by government infrastructure projects like roads, seaports, drainage systems to name just three and private sector investments Put together these projects and investments created massive employment opportunities that increased the purchasing power of those in the skilled and unskilled labor force in Western Visayas.
Another milestone that saw circulation of more money to spend in this region was the May 2022 local and national elections. Crisp bills in huge quantities changed hands during those hotly contested moments. As a top vote rich region and as political clans and their friends incorporated caboodle made sure that they entrenched themselves on the pedestals of power, money was given and received as if there was no tomorrow. Even some enterprising countryside families celebrated the debut of a daughter with “blue bills” unashamedly stated on invitation cards
The inherent desire of people to leave their usual habitat to visit friends and relatives, attend events or relax and enjoy plus the fact that they have more money to spend for travel also contributed to the economic growth of this region.
Certainly there were other milestones of economic growth such as remittances from overseas, BPO etc. but there were also epic drawbacks in some quarters of regional life. These drawbacks should be conquered for a smooth sailing material journey to achieve regional goals.
Attributions do not define Western Visayas as a region. Reality on the ground does./PN
