Wish list of projects: Bizmen present agenda to P. Noy

CEBU, Philippines – The business sector in Cebu formally presented to President Benigno Aquino III a seven-point agenda, which they want the government to seriously consider.

Aquino was in Cebu yesterday for the first time as the President of Philippines, to meet with the business sector. He brought with him his team of economic managers and cabinet members.

Spearheaded by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Regional Economic Managers' Briefing and Dialogue with Aquino at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel, was also attended by business leaders from the other parts of the Central Visayas region.

The seven-point agenda emphasized the priority issues that the businessmen believe would affect economic development in Cebu and the region as a whole.

The issues and concerns raised by the sector are the appropriation of P4.404 billion infrastructure projects in Metro Cebu (including the repair of Mandaue-Mactan bridge); the enhancement of tourism in Cebu and the region; reduction of fuel and power costs; modernization and expansion of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, estab-lishment of a mass transit system, realization of the Panglao International Airport in Bohol, and the possibility of pursuing the construction of Cebu-Bohol bridge.

Aquino promised to study the priority concerns, but he described the Cebu-Bohol Bridge as "very ambitious."

"Sobrang ambitious. We have to look at the cost benefit and study how can the expenses be recouped," the President said in a press conference.

Reiterating his government's thrust of promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the President said that while the economy is growing, the infrastructure needs of Cebu can be realized with the help of the private sector.

He believes that while Cebu is getting the spotlight in the international market, with the regained confidence of the overseas investment community, "I'm sure there will be a lot of takers for these infrastructure projects from Cebu."

On the fuel cost issue, the President is passing the problem over to Department of Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, whom he described as one of the best performing cabinet secretaries. Almendras is a Cebuano.

In his speech that was less than five minutes long, Aquino was happy to announce that foreign investors have already gained confidence and will put more investments here to further fuel the country's economy.

"We have already positive signs of recovery, real signs of progress. We are counting on you to do your part as engine of economic growth," Aquino further said in his speech.

Aquino likewise urged the private sector in Cebu and the Central Visayas to closely work with the government via the PPP thrust, and reiterated his government's seri-ousness to reduce corruption and fight against smuggling.

Although, there were no specific or concrete answers to all the seven concerns raised by the business community, except for his hesitant acceptance of the Cebu-Bohol bridge proposal, the business sector expressed positive sentiment on the first visit of the new president in Cebu.

"What we presented was just a wish-list. We do not expect the new government to act immediately on it or consider all of the proposals, what is important are we got the assurance that they are listening to us," said CCCI president Samuel Chioson.

On the other hand, the business players expressed excitement on the government's giving priority to tourism by declaring it as one of the engines of growth for the country.

"We are pleased that tourism has become a priority not only for the Department of Tourism but for all key agencies and departments. Cebu will surely benefit from benefit from this," said entrepreneur Jay P. Aldeguer.

Aldeguer added that the gesture alone from the President to bring in his entire cabinet to listen to Cebu's issues and concerns is already a good indication that Cebu is being looked at as primary mover in the Philippine economy.

Likewise, Cebu Business Club (CBC) board member and CCCI past president Ben Dapat said that the initiative of the Aquino government to reach out to Cebuanos, specifically the business sector is already good sign of positive collaboration.

Yesterday's dialogue with Aquino at was well attended by the private sector across industries not only from Cebu, from other areas in the region like Bohol, Negros and Siquijor.

The economic managers led by Department of Finance secretary Cesar Purisima reiterated the government's main focus to develop further the tourism industry, as close collaboration is now being brewed to implement a holistic approach to developing the sector not only by DOT, but also by other agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, among others.-/NLQ (FREEMAN)