• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod local government is partnering with professional services firm Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) in the conceptualization, design, coverage, and publication of an investment brochure that could attract more inventors to the highly-urbanized city.
The partnership launching and presentation of the proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA) Oct. 7 at the Office of Mayor Greg Gasataya was graced by SGV chairman Wilson Tan and deputy managing partner Noel Rabaja, together with other company executives and city department heads and officials.
Gasataya said a technical working group will be created to finalize the paperwork, with the investment brochure, dubbed “Doing Business in Bacolod”, expected to be out by first quarter of next year.
Under the proposed agreement, “SGV (will) provide free technical assistance to the LGU in the conceptualization, design, coverage and publication (of the brochure) in printed and digital versions”.
Investment opportunities that could be included in the brochure are the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BNOCEH), the 22-kilometer project in Bacolod that improved road connectivity and reduces congestion, and opens prime areas for light industries and commercial ventures, attracting investments in manufacturing and value-adding sectors.
Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP) head Frances Mae Llamas also discussed the Old Bacolod Airport, a 40-hectare site eyed to be developed as an urban enterprise zone, with the LGU partnering with SM Prime Holdings to boost growth in southern Bacolod.
The investment guide will “specifically showcase Bacolod as a rich source of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors because of its strategic location, skilled and highly-educated human resources, diverse local products, excellent infrastructure, and peace and order situation that is conducive to trade and commerce, plus reasonable local business tax rates, and efficient and business-friendly local government services”.
Under the MOA, the services rendered by SGV “shall be provided free of charge, and no payment or financial consideration shall be required (while) the costs of production and publication (of the brochure) as well as printing and distribution, among others, shall be borne by the LGU.”
The D-LEDIP said “this partnership marks a significant step toward developing inclusive local development by providing investors with reliable, professional data.” | CGC
