Iloilo entering era of higher growth, says US envoy
United States Department of State Deputy Counselor for Economic Section Tim Neely said Iloilo City is "entering the era of higher growth" with the opening of the Megaworld Corporation and Iloilo airport of international standards in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara recently.
Neely said the upcoming development at the old airport site specifically with the establishment of a Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) is already a good opportunity for the people especially with the kind of education centers here.
Neely yesterday paid a visit to Mayor Jerry Treñas and had a brief conversation over the projected development in the city. Prior to his visit at the mayor's office, he also went to the office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a short briefing with DTI officials on Iloilo's macro-economic state. He was likewise the commencement speaker of the Central Philippine University.
Neely also met with officials of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to have an idea of the coconut industry here. The coconut production is one of the potential commodity in the place. He has no idea that the coconut trees in Boracay and some towns in Iloilo are infected with coconut beetle or brontispa.
Neely was born at the Iloilo Mission Hospital and same time spent his high school years at the Central Philippine University. He still knew how to speak some Hiligaynon words and sing lullaby.
"Filipinos and Americans get along well because Filipinos in general are friendly and hospitable. There is a cultural rapport among Filipinos and Americans. This is also the reason why companies would like to invest in the country. It is a positive and big attraction among the investors," said Counselor Neely.