West Visayas economy still bouncing - NEDA

PIA Press Release 2007/05/30

West Visayas economy still bouncing - NEDA

by ES Subong

Iloilo City (30 May) -- The economy in the region is still bouncing after the elections and would still be picking up with the operations of the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.

NEDA Economic specialist Atty. Raul Anlocotan said election spending by candidates had not affected the flow of the regional economy despite allegations of massive vote buying and other frauds.

Instead, Atty. Anlocotan said, the region, especially the Panay island provinces are perking up with the much expected and much welcomed opening of the new Iloilo Domestic Airport.

Atty. Anlocotan added these developments augurs well for the goal of the super regions thrust of the government in making the Visayas, that includes the region, a haven for services and tourism.

Further, the tourism and service sectors will be enhanced by the new domestic airport as transfer of goods and of people will be much easier, contributed by efficiency in transport system and relatively peaceful and orderly communities.

Anlocotan also said the strength of the peso as of this time is a positive factor that raises investors' confidence in the country. This situation will flow over to the region, even if the effects of the strong peso is seen in the long term yet.

"We will see the effects in the long term because Western Visayas has no strong export sector, except for smaller portions of its agricultural products. We are focused more on developing our agri-tourism potentials," Anlocotan said.

On the other hand, Atty. Anlocotan said the new Iloilo Airport of international standards is named the Iloilo Domestic Airport. He said some buildings in the airport may be named after a person as deemed appropriate but for purposes of maintaining a specific site or location that will not mislead, especially tourists, the Iloilo Domestic Airport stands by this name. (PIA 6)



CABATUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Cabatuan, Iloilo, Philippines

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