Talisay City Mayor Eyes Boost in Business Investments

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Talisay City Mayor Rowena Weng Lopez Lizares is optimistic about the growing influx of business and investment in the city.

A lawyer and president of the Angels Wings Foundation, Lopez Lizares is the 25th and first woman mayor of Talisay, succeeding her husband, outgoing Mayor Neil Lizares, who completed three terms.

Lopez Lizares expressed confidence in the city’s improving economic climate, citing growing interest and trust from businesses and investors under her leadership.

Among the first major companies to meet with the mayor was Megaworld Corp., led by its president and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso.

The mayor said Megaworld executives discussed promising opportunities for Talisay City.

“The meeting is a sign that our city is ready for major investments that can help boost our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people of Talisay,” she said.

She added that Megaworld’s interest marks a key moment in the city’s economic growth.

A business process outsourcing firm also met with Mayor Lizares during her first week in office.

Executives from iQor Philippines, led by Vice President for Human Resources Atty. Wilbur Gadicho, paid a courtesy call on the mayor.

“Their visit signifies not just economic growth but also a vote of confidence in our city’s potential,” she said.

A popular food chain has also expressed interest in investing in the city.

Mayor Lizares said Talisay aims to be business-friendly and make city services more accessible for residents.

She added that city employees are undergoing training to provide excellent customer service at the Talisay City Express Service Office.

During the inaugural session of the City Council, Lizares emphasized unity between the executive and legislative branches.

“May we be united not by political color but by our common goal of asenso para sa tanan (progress for all),” she said.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Talisay City is headed by Vice Mayor Gab Villacin, a member of the opposition party.

“Our vision is clear—a city that is progressive, compassionate, inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” she added.

She said that vision would be guided by transparent and accountable governance.

“We will ensure that every peso is spent wisely and that every policy is anchored on data and consultation,” she said.

Lizares also paid tribute to her predecessor, her husband, Neil Lizares.

“I acknowledge with gratitude the one who came before me, whose years of service laid the groundwork for where we stand today,” she said.

Under Neil Lizares’ leadership, Talisay City was elevated from a fourth-class to a third-class city by the Department of Finance.

The city was also awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance, the highest citation given to local government units by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.