Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe yesterday said he believes that Bacolod City is a very good place for investment.
During a courtesy call on Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Bacolod City Government Center yesterday, Urabe described the city as neat and attractive and its people very hospitable. Urabe, who was in Bacolod City yesterday for the 50th anniversary of Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement, Philippine Chapter, said the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is excellent. Japan is the largest importer of Philippine products and they have the largest investors in the Philippines, Urabe said. There are about 200,000 Filipinos living in Japan, he said, adding that the cultures of the Japanese and Filipinos are quite similar. Also present to welcome the ambassador were Councilors Em Ang, Caesar Distrito, El Cid Familiaran, Carlos Jose Lopez and the mayor’s wife, Elsa Leonardia. Urabe asked why Bacolod appears to be more prosperous compared to other cities. Is it because of sugarcane? Lopez told him “We have a good mayor and a city council that is supportive of him.” The councilors also informed him of the establishment of the one-stop-shop that has reduced processing time for business permit application and renewal. Leonardia apprised the ambassador about the exchange visits conducted between Bacolod City and Japan and the accomplishments of the city, like having been cited for its stable peace and order condition, and for being the Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines. A research conducted by the Asian Institute of Management, United States Agency for International Development and German Technology Cooperation recently categorized the cities into growth metropolitan, growth center cities and emergent cities. Bacolod, Olongapo and eight other cities were included in the growth center cities category, and it placed second to Olongapo City for good quality of living because of its livable environment. Leonardia said they also hope to come up with a sister city relationship with Japan. Meanwhile, Distrito informed Urabe of a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod expressing sympathy to the Japanese people affected by the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami. He said Negros has been a recipient of assistance from Japan and it is time for Negros to give back to the Japanese people. Urabi said the incident was very traumatic since many lives were taken away but they are now on the road to recovery although it may take them years to fully recover.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star
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