Bacolod retains title as 'most business-friendly city' in Visayas
Bacolod City retains its title as the "Most Business-Friendly City in the Visayas" for year 2007.
Winning the title the first time in 2006, Bacolod is a strong contender for the national title: "Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines". This is according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by Samie Lim, PCCI President and Atty. Miguel Varela, Chairman Emeritus of the 33rd PBC Awards Committee.
Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, with key city officials of Bacolod, will be at the Fiesta Pavillion, Manila Hotel to receive the award on October 24, during the 33rd Philippine Business Conference. The conference will last until October 26 and will culminate with the awarding of the national title to the deserving local government unit.
Guest of Honor during the conferment night on October 24 for Area Winners and Special Citations will be the Honorable Senator Loren Legarda.
Vying for "Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines" along with Bacolod, are regional winners from the National Capital Region, Northern and Southern Mindanao, Northern and Southern Luzon.
The final judging for the regional award was held October 9, 2007, at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City, with Bacolod City Administrator Dr. Rogelio Balo as presentor. Power point presentations were given a total of 5 to 8 minutes per presentor, with 7 minutes devoted to question and answer.
Category for judging were: Good Governance with Quality Customer Service representing 35 percent, Public-Private Sector Partnership (20 percent); Competitiveness with Investment Promotion (20 percent), Adoption of Innovation (10 percent); and Interlocal Government Relations 15 percent.
The search for the "Most Business-Friendly City" is a yearly search conducted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (CMO/PIA)