ILOILO City – Today, this southern city marks its 85th year of becoming a city.
For this year’s celebration, the city government highlights its partnership with the private sector for its contributions to the city’s growth and development.
“They ensure that Iloilo continues to be relevant,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
At the Mayor’s Dinner to be held this evening, the city government will recognize top corporate and individual business and real property taxpayers.
“With the help of these businessmen and corporations, Iloilo City was able to get a surplus of almost P500 million even at the height of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Treñas.
The city mayor believes that to make Iloilo, already an attractive spot to invest in, remain relevant, there is a need for it to engage the private sector particularly in public-private partnership (PPP) projects.
At present, the city government is looking forward to have more PPP projects especially for the upgrading of the city’s slaughterhouse and a waste-to-energy facility.
“There is really a need for PPP projects. Why? The national debt is over P13 trillion. The government is paying it; it thus have a hard time undertaking big infrastructure projects on its own,” said Treñas.
Various sectors here such as business groups, civic organizations and public officials have expressed support to the city’s PPP initiatives.
Former senator Franklin Drilon believes the partnership between the local government and private sector will foster inclusive economic growth.
“This is the way forward. The private sector plays a vital role in promoting progress and in building critical infrastructure that the people need,” Drilon said.
For its part, SM Prime – the first to build the biggest mall here – has long been a significant partner of the city government in fostering Iloilo’s social and economic development.
The city government has also partnered with SM Prime and its construction division, SM Development Corporation, for the construction of a 120-unit low-rise condominium in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district for the former’s low-salaried employees.
SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim emphasized that SM Prime and the city government share the same vision – to uplift the lives of the Ilonggos.
“We look forward to more collaborations that benefit the Ilonggos,” said Lim.
Meanwhile, SM City is joining this year’s celebration of the Iloilo City Charter Day.
Shoppers can enjoy the Iloilo Big Sale on Aug. 21-31, 2022 and get up to 80 percent discounts on selected items.
Other exciting activities they can take part in or enjoy include the Coffee Festival, the biggest gathering of local coffeshop brands and coffee enthusiasts in Iloilo City; it will be held at SM City North Point Event Center from Aug. 24 to 28.
Also on Aug. 24-28, SM City will be hosting the ILOBEX or the PCCI-Iloilo Business Expo also at North Point Event Center near Café Iloilo.
Today, Aug. 25, mallgoers may also enjoy the Kapuso Mall Show.
SM City Iloilo also hosted the Arnis Tournament and Charter Run last Aug. 20-21 and Aug.21, respectively.
In the recently conducted What’s Up, Western Visayas Business Conference as of part of Iloilo Business Week organized by PCCI-Iloilo where around 200 entrepreneurs participated, Treñas said the city government is always willing to work with the business sector to capitalize on the city’s potential for growth.
“I always reiterate that governance is the shared responsibility between the governors and the governed. As long as everyone helps, ang mga challenges naton indi mabudlay,” Treñas emphasized.
Aside from the business sector, the city government also recognized several of its outstanding employees and department heads during Monday’s flag ceremony.
“I was telling our employees, 85 years na kita. Kalayo na sang nalab-utan ta,” said Treñas as he thanked the awardees for their valuable contributions to the city.
Among the invited guests for today’s Charter Day celebration are former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and House Majority Floor Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe./PN
