Bacolod no longer fit to be called 'Business Friendly City'
BACOLOD CITY -- Metro-Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Vice President Jose Maria Zayco yesterday defended their position not to nominate Bacolod City in this year's Most Business Friendly City competition of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
"Bacolod business sector is very displeased to nominate Bacolod because the city failed to address the plight of establishments which were surrounded by fish and small vendors along Bonifacio Street and also in cognizance to the complaint lodged by the Negros Press Club when the city padlocked the local cable television station F Channel of Mr. Franklin Villanueva," Zayco said.
Zayco added that when they received the letter from the PCCI requesting for an endorsement of Bacolod City in the competition, their group requested an extension in submitting their decision so that they can consult and get the sentiments of their members. Unfortunately, he said, the members came up with a consensus not to nominate or endorse Bacolod City.
Zayco claimed that they have prepared a position paper to attest to their stand. When asked why the MBCCI endorsed the City in last year's competition, Zayco said, that they have supported Bacolod for obvious reason that the business sector wanted that the atmosphere here in Bacolod will be conducive for business. "Look now at our surroundings, it is no longer conducive to business," Zayco said.
He also advised the city officials to accept the decision and sentiments of most members of the business sector.
"The business sector is dismayed because until now, the city could not give enough solution to the fish vendors in Bonifacio Street just outside the central market which the legitimate vendors have been complaining," said Zayco.
Zayco believed that there is nothing political with their decision not to endorse Bacolod because it was a result of a lengthy process. They have even requested for an extension to come up with a decision until July 25, 2008 to elaborate on the matter.
Earlier, City Administrator Dr. Rogelio Balo expressed disappointment over MBCCI's non-endorsement of Bacolod in the "Most Business Friendly City" competition although the city is this year's title holder.