• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod City was named Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) in the provincial highly-urbanized cities category, by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) yesterday.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez, who received the award during the 50th Philippine Business Conference held at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, Oct. 23, said “this achievement reflects our hard work in creating a city that welcomes business and fosters growth.”
“Honored and proud! Salamat Bacolod, for your trust and support!” Benitez said in a statement, adding he received the award along with Councilor Em Ang, City Administrator Lucille Gelvolea, and department heads Jean Ramos of the City Planning and Development Office, Arlene Memoria of the City Treasurer’s Office, Imelda Williams – City Budget Office, Stella Rose Rayos – City Business Permits and Licensing Office, and Frances Mae Llamas – Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, and BacCHP focal person Mae Cuaycong.
Bacolod won against Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Mandaue, the city said, adding the recognition was based on four critical areas of evaluation, namely, fast-tracking sustainable local economic development, Ease of Doing Business initiatives, investment promotion efforts, and enhancing sectoral competitiveness.
“We are honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the commitment of Bacolod to creating an environment where businesses can thrive. This is a victory for all Bacolodnons as we continue to drive growth, innovation, and opportunities in our city,” Benitez said in the city press release.
It added that Bacolod’s rise to the top of the list reinforces its reputation as a hub for business and economic activity in the Visayas region.
Benitez earlier said that Bacolod “is well on its way to becoming a full-fledged super city. We have improved the delivery of basic services, boosted businesses and expanded job opportunities, enlivened tourism by pushing for traditional and creative economies, and introduced bigger and bolder development projects — all of which converge to our central goal of providing quality local governance to the Bacolodnons.”
A super city is one that welcomes modernization and tackles modern-day issues with appropriate, technology-driven solutions, the mayor said, noting that the city now operates two government one-stop shops — the Government Service Express and the Bacolod Express Service Office.
“We have made the acquisition of government documents fool-proof by implementing the use QR-codes, which allow verification and discourage fixers and scammers,” Benitez said in his 2025 budget message. “Through these technology-driven solutions, we have improved the ease of doing business, effectively resulting in increased investor confidence, higher local revenues, and more job opportunities.” | CGC
