Source: The Visayan Daily Star
BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
Friday, June 7, 2019

In its bid to be economically competitive, the municipal government of EB Magalona has tapped the help of the business sector in Negros Occidental to improve its economic climate.

The local government, led by Mayor Marvin Malacon, initiated a consultation meeting with the leaders of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday at 21 Restaurant in Bacolod City. It was also attended by Vice Governor and governor-elect Eugenio Lacson and representative-elect Francisco Benitez of the third district.

In the consultation meeting, Malacon presented to the group the potential resources of the town. “We have skilled people and raw materials that can only be found in EB Magalona,” he said.

He also said he asked the business sector to guide and help them with the development plan that will boost the economy of the town and generate jobs for the people.

He said they will amend their Comprehensive Land Use Plan and tax ordinance to be more attractive to potential investors.

He said the municipal government will also pursue the agri-business sector of the town, citing the budding industry and production of blue crabs and homegrown coffee, as well as improve the farm-to-market roads.

Frank Carbon, MBCCI chief executive officer, was upbeat on the interest of the local government to locate potential investors in their town.

“We are very happy they are proactive and interested to develop their area. They want to sell EB Magalona, they want investments to come to create jobs,” he added.

He said the business group will assist the municipal government so the business growth will also spread to rural areas and not only in Bacolod City, the capital of the province.

He also said that the local government should focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and peace and order to gain more potential business opportunities.*