Bacolod City is one of the four finalist cities representing the three Philippine island groups and the National Capital Region, and the only city from the Visayas, with the three others as Olongapo City (Luzon), Cagayan De Oro (Mindanao) and Valenzuela City (NCR).

This was the result of the final judging of the finalists in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Search for the 2012 Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit – City Level 1 Category, where Mayor Evelio Leonardia represented Bacolod yesterday.

Mayors Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela and James Gordon, Jr. of Olongapo represented their respective cities.

The activity was held at the Commerce and Industry Plaza, Mc Kinley Town Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, a press release from the city said.

During the power point presentation and panel interview that lasted for almost 30 minutes, Leonardia pointed out the dynamism of the economy of Bacolod and the various awards and recognitions it has received from reputable and prestigious institutions in the fields of trade, commerce and industry, it said.

The awarding ceremonies for the 30th Philippine Business Conference LGU Awards are scheduled next month and, traditionally, the President of the Philippines presents the awards.

PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION

The PCCI later presented to Leonardia a plaque of special recognition that states: “PCCI presents the Special Recognition to the City Government of Bacolod for being adjudged as one of the Finalists of the 2012 Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit – City Level 1 Category, exemplifying commendation initiatives towards good governance, reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contributing to local economic development.”

The plaque was presented by PCCI vice president for Energy and Water Jose Alejandro, Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Edgardo Lacson, UP College of Public Administration Dean Edna Kho, Integrated Computer Systems president George Barcelon, Asian Institute of Management executive director Angela Garcia and Dennis Miralles-DTI Director, Board of Investments.

It was signed by Jose Alejandro and PCCI president Miguel Varela, co-chairmen of the 30th PBC LGU Awards.

CONSISTENT

Leonardia expressed elation that Bacolod is again one of the four finalists, considering that there are 140 cities in the Philippines. “Surely, this achievement bolsters the image of the Bacolod as an investment haven,” Leonardia said.

Leonardia was accompanied by Honeybee Borromeo, head of the Research and Statistics Division of the City Planning and Development Office.

Being a finalist in the search for the Most Business Friendly City is not new to Bacolod City because it was chosen as an MBF City in the Visayas in 2006, and also in 2007. That year, it was also awarded as the Most Business Friendly in the entire Philippines.

Last year, it was also a finalist, which means that Bacolod has been consistent in its performance as an MBF City, the press release added.

MBCCI THANKED

Meanwhile, Leonardia said he is very grateful to the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry for endorsing the nomination of Bacolod to the MBF Search, which he said he believes was a very important factor in the selection.*

back to top