Address WEF report issues, business heads urge LGUs

Cebu City police officials meet with LBC managers to find ways to stop robberies in their branches. (Contributed Photo)

Cebu business group leaders are encouraging leaders of local government units (LGUs) in Cebu to look constructively at the issues raised at the World Economic Report (WEF) and take concrete steps to address these issues.

The report titled “The Competitiveness of Cities,” WEF said Cebu still has “fragile institutions that can endanger existing gains as well as future competitiveness.”

It said that Cebu has huge potential for more growth but is threatened by three main issues — corruption, criminality and lack of infrastructure, which should be addressed quickly by government.

PERCEPTION

“If this is a perception then whether we like it or not it is based on reality. Infrastructure in Cebu is terrible. Criminality is an issue and corruption should be stamped out,” said Gordon Alan Joseph, Cebu Business Club (CBC) president during an interview yesterday.

“Mega Cebu will respond to the issue of infrastructure. For the rest all sectors must band together and push for awareness and reform,” said Joseph, who is also a board member of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB).

DISABLING POLICIES

He also cited the disabling policies created that defeated the purpose of the efforts of the National Competitiveness Council to make doing business fun in the country.

“Taxes are very high, congestion at the ports is a current problem and many of our agencies impose on regulations that they themselves are not capable of implementing like the FDA (Food and Drugs Authority) imposing more complicated policies and requirements for permits that they themselves don’t have the expertise,” he said.

Joseph said quick government response and resolutions should be reached immediately with active participation from the private sector.

Ma. Teresa Chan, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said she agreed with the issues raised at the report except for the corruption issue.

PEACE AND ORDER

“The peace and order situation of Cebu may not be perfect but I believe it is being addressed. The authorities should exert more effort and focus though. All of us not only the business groups should cooperate with the authorities like we should all install CCTV cameras in our establishments,” said Chan.

Jay Aldeguer, Philippine Retailers Association Cebu board member, said Cebu’s growth is unprecedented and unless we address the issues stated, we will not be able to optimize this momentum.

“The good thing is that the LGUs in Cebu are beginning to really work with private sector to help adapt to all this growth. I’m also glad to see that the private sector is stepping up to this call,” Aldeguer said.

“There are things though especially in infrastructure and good governance in government that is beyond the private sector’s reach that is why our leaders in government have to step up big time,” said Aldeguer.

He also encouraged Cebuanos to be vigilant and that livability should not be compromised with growth.

Francis Monera, Cebu Holdings Inc. president, said it is always good to note that the impressive growth trajectory of Cebu has been sustained.

He also encouraged the local government to address the issues in the report.

“To encourage continued growth, there has to be a furtherance of a business-friendly environment with the local government ensuring the stability of policies and plans that are supportive of the sustainable growth of the economy,” Monera said.

“It is advisable that the investors are continuously assured of equitable and efficient service from the respective government agencies they deal with,” said Monera.

Prudencio Gesta, CCCI past president, said he is glad that WEF has noticed the fast growth and the potential for more growth of Cebu’s economy.

RIGHT TRACK

“What is very important is that Cebu’s economy is on the right direction though many things still to be done against corruption, criminality and infrastructure,” Gesta said.

He cited the regional police office’s gains in the anti-drug campaign as encouraging results of police action against crimes.

He added that our infrastructure still need more support and attention from our government to make Cebu very competitive.

“At least our Mactan rehabilitation and improvements are going on while BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) funding has been secured. We also hope that the road widening and skyways will follow to ease our traffic,” Gesta said.