Zambo is finalist to the '2021 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards'

ZAMBOANGA CITY has made it to the final judging of the “2021 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards,” an annual competition initiated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

PCCI, the country’s largest business organization, said it is spearheading this year the search for local governments that have been successfully restoring and increasing the business operations in their area through significant and sustained innovative actions amidst the extreme challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In line with the 47th Philippine Business Conference’s theme which is anchored on innovation, this year’s LGU awards initiative aims to highlight local government success stories and best practices that go beyond mere compliance to address the overwhelming negative impacts of the current pandemic to the business community. 

Mayor Beng Climaco said she was informed about the news by Jose Alejandro and Roberto Amores, co-chairmen of the LGU Awards, in a letter dated September 20. She said the final judging is set October 15.

The local business sector continues to rally behind the Climaco administration and even nominated the local government for the “2021 Most Business-Friendly LGU Award.”

Both the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (ZCCIFI) and the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association Inc. (SOPHIL) nominated the City Government for the prestigious event held annually.

The nomination shows the strong partnership between the business sector and the local government. The ZCCIFI is headed by its president, Pedro Rufo Soliven; and the SOPHIL, by its president Jaydrick Johnson Yap. 

Soliven and Yap have cited the Climaco administration’s business-friendly efforts, especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, in nominating the local government. 

In 2019, the PCCI also cited the City Government and recognized its efforts in streamlining business processes. PCCI awarded the local government with a “special citation” during the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel.

Zamboanga City was also a finalist in the “2020 Business-Friendly LGU Award.”

Then City Administrator Apple Go who represented the local government during the awarding ceremony said the special recognition exemplifies the commendable initiatives of the Climaco administration towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contribute to local economic development.

The PCCI, whose president is Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, also noted the efforts of the local government which resulted in a significant increase in new business enterprises in Zamboanga. From 2018-2019, Zamboanga City posted a 74% increase in the number of approved business permits for new business applications and also recorded a 182% increase in the number of approved business renewals.

Climaco said the local government is pursuing business-friendly strategies aimed at further improving business sector confidence.

Even Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada, of the Civil Service Commission, also praised the Climaco administration during an unannounced inspection in 2019 to check on compliance of civil service rules in government offices. Lizada, who also visited other regions in the country, noted a number of “best practices” at Zamboanga City Hall during her group’s inspection. One of them is the wearing of identification cards by civil workers with Climaco as the best example.

She also said the Public Assistance Desk at the main entrance of City Hall is very responsive to the public and the presence of an institutionalized human resource department at City Hall, among others.

Prior to the pandemic, Zamboanga City enjoyed a strong economy as influx of trade and investments add to the already robust business climate in the area. Proof of this is the steady flow of investors to Zamboanga, a major trading hub in southern Philippines, owing to the efforts of the local government in making this southern port city business-friendly.

The ease of making business here — compared to the previous decades — is far better, according to traders, who cited the local government’s efforts in attracting investors not only from other parts of the country, but overseas as well.

But even during the pandemic, SM opened its shopping mall in Zamboanga City which is the first in the western Mindanao region. Climaco personally thanked Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime, for investing in Zamboanga City. 

AirAsia Philippines also opened its maiden flight from Manila to Zamboanga City last year. Climaco said amid the health crisis, AirAsia fulfilled its promise to serve Zamboangueños because of the City's potential and strong governance. It also cemented Climaco’s efforts in attracting traders and businessmen to put up investments in Zamboanga City despite the pandemic.

The mayor praised AirAsia Philippines Chairman of the Board, lawyer Jomar Castillo; and AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, who thanked Climaco, saying “all of this would not have been possible without the initiatives of the Zamboanga City Government, who took on a decisive role in discussions with us to establish this route. For this, we are truly grateful.”

And in October 2018, a prominent lawyer, Linda Lim, who is also chief executive officer and president of the oldest and largest universities in Mindanao — the Universidad de Zamboanga — also cited the vigorous business climate and the leadership of Climaco that played a key role in the huge improvement and development of Zamboanga as a city.

In a speech during the 70th founding celebration of the university which coincided with the Parade of Lights during the Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival, Lim said: “We will carry on, continue to move on and continue to serve our community, especially under the leadership of Mayor Beng.” 

“It is only under her leadership that Zamboanga saw a flux of investments, we can see all investments coming in, we can feel it, not only see it. As of now, Zamboanga City ranks among the top cities with the largest accumulation of wealth in the whole Philippines and that can only happen under the leadership of Mayor Beng… it is only under this kind of leadership that Zamboanga can continue to move on,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)