BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO – This province is one of the finalists for the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. confirmed this, noting that PCCI had officially informed him of the province’s finalist status.
The final judging is on Sept. 26.
Defensor said the provincial government will present significant initiatives via a five-minute video conference on Zoom, focusing on four key criteria:
* fast-tracking sustainable local economic development
* ease of doing business
* investment promotion
* enhancing sectoral competitiveness
When asked why Iloilo was chosen, Defensor cited the provincial government’s MoRProGRes development thrust (“Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo”).
The governor outlined his vision for a livable and intelligent Iloilo during the Livable Cities Local Lab forum held on July 12 at the Richmonde Hotel in Iloilo City. He emphasized Iloilo’s potential as an agricultural province, highlighting the creation of a value chain for agricultural products to stimulate employment and investment.
Additionally, he said, the province aims to develop growth areas as investment centers for information and communication technology and light industries.
Defensor stressed the importance of creating a strong middle class within Iloilo to enhance livability. He believes that providing economic fundamentals, in collaboration with the private sector, is crucial for local government units to contribute to a more comfortable life for their residents.
The governor also expressed eagerness to collaborate further with the private sector to ensure that the provincial government can create a community where people have the means to afford their necessities and enjoy leisure activities, ultimately promoting livability in Iloilo./PN
