The business sector in Bacolod City is optimistic that the economy of Western Visayas is on its way to recovery after inter-island travel has resumed over the weekend.
Frank Carbon, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer, said that the “signals are good,” as he pointed out that the volume of passengers and cargoes on Saturday, October 31, during the initial trips of fastcrafts, is “encouraging.”
Fastcrafts plying between Bacolod and Iloilo routes have suspended its operations for five months following the travel restrictions in the two localities.
Traders in the region have committed to restarting their trading activities, Carbon said.
Bacolod are ready to accept visitors and tourists and that a new hotel by SM City will open soon, he added.
Moreover, Sipalay City has opened up its locality for visitors and tourists, he added.
Small businesses have also availed of the rehabilitation loan facilities from government banks, and that food delivery services are thriving, Carbon said.
However, he noted that even with the positive developments, prices of food are higher now compared to pre-COVID time, adding that the marginalized and low-income sectors are appealing to the government “to give attention or put some efforts to relieve their plight.”*