Leyte named 'Most Friendly Province' for 3rd time

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recently named Leyte as the "Most Business Friendly Province," its third since 2008.

The PCCI's Most Business Friendly LGU Award seeks to recognize the outstanding efforts and commendable practices of provinces, municipalities and cities in instituting good governance reforms that will pave way for increased competitiveness of local government units (LGUs) in promoting local trade and investments.

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Leyte was first declared as Most Business Friendly Province in 2008. The second time was in 2010.

Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president Willy Julio said the PCCI recognizes the efforts of the Provincial Government in promoting Leyte as a business destination and the viability of industry and investments by instituting good governance reforms to promote trade and investment in the locality; ensure accountability, transparency and efficiency in the conduct of day-to-day operations; and further competitiveness that will improve the quality of life of the constituents.

PCCI also took cognizance of the province's leadership through Governor Jericho Petilla in promoting trade, investment and tourism in the locality, as well as fostering close relationship among the private sector and LGUs within the province.

The governor himself made the presentation of the province's latest business promotions and policies and personally faced the tough panel that chose this year's Most Business Friendly LGUs.

This year, the province has put in more efforts to encourage the private sector and businessman to put up their investments in Leyte.

The province earned the nod of the private sector for the construction and development of the Leyte IT Development Park in Palo, Leyte. Such a facility is seen to complement the growth of the province as an ICT hub with the existence of the Leyte ICT Park just across it, where already a number of business processing outsourcing (BPO) companies, a call center and small technology-based businesses operate.

Other agriculture related businesses are likewise set in Baybay City while big franchise stores are setting up in bigger municipalities in the province like in Hilongos.

Tourism is also considered as a major economic driver in the province, and Leyte is one of 11 LGUs in the country that have been shortlisted for local economic development assistance with Canadian International Development Agency with tourism as top priority.

Leyte was also stamped by the Department of the Interior and Local Government with the "Seal of Good Housekeeping" for its good performance in internal housekeeping, particularly in the areas of planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance management, which is in line with PCCI's vision of transparency and good governance among local government units as it gives out the awards.

The awarding ceremonies for the Most Business Friendly LGUs will be held during the culmination of the 37th Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 14, at the Manila Hotel. (Leyte Samar Daily Express

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