Megaworld’s IBP leads call to help revive Iloilo economy

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

 

The effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spared no one.

Every Juan has felt the brunt of the pandemic’s effect and so have businesses.

While the country is still reeling from the COVID-19 blow, Iloilo City is now moving to jumpstart economic recovery. Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park (IBP) has taken the initiative to lead along with the local government of Iloilo City and other sectors, as it also boosts the city’s fight against COVID-19.

On Monday, September 7, IBP executives and Mayor Jerry Treñas spearheaded the symbolic ceremony of Iloilo City’s resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Treñas led the wreath laying ceremony at the General Martin Delgado statue to mark the unveiling of the ‘hablon’ facemask worn by the Ilonggo hero as a symbol of the city’s continuing fight against the spread of Covid-19.

Various leaders from the government, business, and medical sectors have earlier made a call urging Ilonggos to shop, dine, and patronize local businesses to help them get back on their feet.

“We need the Ilonggos’ cooperation to follow and observe safety protocols to help the city recover from this pandemic. Iloilo has been enjoying an economic boom in the past years, and the only way for us to sustain that is to support our entrepreneurs and their businesses. There’s no need to fear going out and do what we want to do, as long as we continue to adhere to all the safety measures and educate others to help curb the spread of the virus in the city,” Jennifer Palmares-Fong, IBP vice president for sales and marketing, said.

She then presented the iconic statue of Gen. Martin Delgado wearing a giant Hablon facemask crafted by Ilonggo fashion designer Jeff Ticao, as IBP’s way of demonstrating its staunch commitment to highlight safety in the city.

The initiative was made to remind Ilonggos to do their part in adhering to minimum health standards to prevent the spread of the virus.

“IBP remains safe for Ilonggos. Every component of this township—from the hotels, residential condominiums, even the mall and its tenants—strictly implements and complies with the government’s safety and health standards. This is how we remain one with city’s Bato Iloilo (Fight Iloilo) campaign,” Palmares-Fong said.

Also coinciding with the unveiling of the statue is the ceremonial turnover of the training manual on safety and sanitation developed exclusively by The Medical City (TMC) for Festive Walk Iloilo.

Festive Walk Iloilo has teamed up with the premier medical network to boost its sanitation and infection control measures and enhance the capabilities of its own sanitation teams.

“We are committed to working closely with the city government in the fight against COVID-19. We have enhanced our safety and sanitation capabilities through our partnership with Safeguard and The Medical City and we are more than ready to provide Ilonggos with the safest shopping environment possible, where they can enjoy and at the same time help local businesses thrive even during these challenging times,” Ford Tan, Festival Walk Iloilo general manager, said.

Among the safety measures being implemented at the mall and other establishments in the township include foot baths in all entrances, mandatory temperature checks, provision of alcohol and hand sanitizers at building and store entrances and comfort rooms, establishment of hand washing stations, and educational signages and safety reminders in all visible areas.