Bacolod City is collaborating with leading professional services firm SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV & Co.) as part of its initiatives to strengthen investment promotion and foster a more vibrant local economy.
Mayor Greg Gasataya met with the team from the SGV & Co., led by chair Wilson Tan and deputy managing partner Noel Rabaja, during the launch of the partnership and presentation of the memorandum of agreement at the City Mayor’s Office on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 7.
The partnership seeks to produce “Doing Business in Bacolod,” a publication that will highlight the city’s investment potential, infrastructure, skilled workforce, peace and order, and strong governance.
In his message, Tan said SGV’s commitment to Bacolod is shown in their long years of presence in the city.
He said that through the partnership, the city can be featured in the local government unit (LGU) version of SGV’s “Doing Business in the Philippines” publication.
“We’re quite happy to partner with you. Hopefully, we can help in terms of getting more known the unique opportunities and the possibilities of Bacolod,” he added.
Frances Mae Llamas, head of the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions, presented the opportunities offered by the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway, dubbed “The Gateway to Bacolod’s Next Growth Centers,” pointing out which sectors can be tapped for potential projects.
She also explained the city’s plan to “transform the old Bacolod Airport into a vibrant urban enterprise hub that drives innovation, commerce, and sustainable city growth.”
Based on the agreement, SGV will undertake to assist the city government in coming up with the design and coverage of the “Doing Business in the LGU” publication as well as reviewing the information compiled relating to the process of setting up of business in Bacolod; local taxation; current social, political and economic profile, demographics; and other related data.
SGV will provide the outline and report template, review the draft prepared by LGU staff and suggest revisions or additions. Bacolod will compile the data and documents and write the draft, review suggested revisions or additions by SGV, approve the draft, and print the publication.
Gasataya expressed his appreciation to Tan for the assistance the SGV is extending to the city government.
“This will go a long way for Bacolod. Chairman, please accept the city’s appreciation for what the SGV will do for us, guiding us in making the right decisions for Bacolod City. This is not just for this generation, but also for the next generations because these are important projects, which will determine the city’s direction in up to 30 years,” he added. *PNA