A strong partnership between the government and business sector is vital for the economy to thrive in the newly-formed Negros Island Region (NIR).
This was underscored by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson during the Economic Drivers Forum of the Siquijor and Negros Island Business Week led by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on Tuesday, July 8.
“Drivers, no matter how powerful, need the right conditions to thrive. That is where government and business must meet. All of these sectors, and even more, are interconnected,” Lacson said in his message.
He said the various sectors “thrive best when there is confidence in governance, access to financing, peace and order, skilled human capital, and clear regional direction.”
Lacson said that for Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, the micro, small and medium enterprises are the engine of inclusive growth, creating jobs, building communities, and helping these provinces move forward.
“What fuels our economy are the individuals and industries who turn limitations into opportunities. From our farmers to our women entrepreneurs, our youth, our cooperatives, creatives, and small manufacturers –all of them are the lifeblood of a future-ready NIR,” he added.
Lacson said that since Negros Island and Siquijor are among the most gifted in terms of natural resources, tourism continues to be one of the region’s most promising economic multipliers.
“What we must now do is build the systems –transport, safety, digital presence– that allow tourism to flourish while preserving our environment and local communities,” the governor said.
During the forum, the Negros Electric and Power Corp., which covers areas in central Negros, including Bacolod City, presented its expansion plans and the state of the power distribution, while the Sugar Regulatory Administration discussed the farming, milling, and the state of the sugar industry.
Other presentations were by PrimeWater Bacolod, Saludad by PHINMA Properties, DITO Business, Sustainable Seafood Philippines Corp., Phil-Data Business Systems Inc., Vallacar Transit Inc., and Negros Coastal Terminals Inc.
The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Philippine Ports Authority also gave updates about upcoming projects in the region.*PNA