Election results to direct economic growth of Iloilo

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

The results of the upcoming midterm elections on May 13, 2019 will have a strong impact on the economic growth of both the city and province of Iloilo, according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo Chapter.

In an interview on Friday, PCCI Iloilo Chapter President Jobert Peñaflorida underscored the importance of political leadership to the momentum of growth that Iloilo is now enjoying.

“Iloilo is now enjoying a momentum of growth so it is very critical that our political leadership remains to be strong, sturdy, and dynamic because it will determine how we proceed with the kind of growth that we are now enjoying,” he said.

According to Peñaflorida, the roles of local government units (LGUs) are crucial especially with the direction of the national government.

“The local government units (LGU) are every important in our society. The national level would provide the macro directions, the efforts to really push it are here at the local level. So, it is very important that we have leaders that are passionate in pursuing that direction,” he said.

With the booming economy in both the province and city of Iloilo, Peñaflorida said the business sectors want to see sustainability especially with the new leaders who will sit after the elections.

“We are now in a period of growth and we want to see sustainability and sustainability will be determined by the kind of policies and priorities that each of these political bets are going to pursue should they win the elections,” he added.

On April 30, 2019, top contenders for the mayoralty seat in Iloilo City and gubernatorial seat in the province of Iloilo faced the business leaders at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel to present their roadmap to the Ilonggo voters.

“Agenda 2019: The Search for the Next Iloilo CEOs” which was initiated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo Chapter aimed to put a spotlight on the future projects and plans of the top political bets in the city and province of Iloilo.

“The aim of the forum is really to provide a proper venue that is sober and business like because kun purely campaign lang it has become gut-level. Each of them came up with their presentation, outlining in a very comprehensive manner what they have achieved and what they intend to do for Iloilo,” Peñaflorida said.

Meanwhile, Peñaflorida also appealed not only to the business community but the whole Iloilo community to be both discerning and discriminating of political bets running for the May 13 elections in order to pursue the current growth of Iloilo.

“Over the weekend, let us really ponder and let us not be swayed by surveys or by endorsements. Let us get deeper in our minds and hearts and look at their individual track record and their individual character,” he said.

At the end of the day, Peñaflorida said it is a matter of following the conscience of who is really the right choice for the province and the city of Iloilo.

“It is not only achievement per se that should be the basis but it’s really a matter of following our conscience and of who is really the right choice for the province and the city,” he said.

As early as now, he said that the business community in Iloilo is very much willing to work with the leaders who will win the upcoming elections.

“Let us all rally behind whoever is given the mandate by the people. In the PCCI, this early we are already extending our hand to work together with whoever is elected governor and mayor,” he noted.