BACOLOD CITY, August 31 (PNA) — The Economic Development Team (EDT) of the province has proposed to establish different development programs for identified industries to address various concerns.
EDT member Alfredo Barcelona, president of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BFCCCI), raised the importance of the clustering of areas for market matching and resource development.
Barcelona also stressed the creation of a data banking system containing relevant, up-to-date, and immediate information for potential investors.
Speaking for the tourism sector, Ellen Jalandoni, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Tourism Center (NOTC), noted the insufficiency of transportation and tourism facilities.
She added that there is a need for local government units (LGUs) to have a shortlist of possible tourism investments.
Moreover, the Garments Manufacturers of Negros Occidental (GAMANO) noted the decline of the garment industry in the province.
The organization revealed that from more than 18 members, they now have only five active members involved in the traditional hand-sewn “smocking” products for export.
GAMANO attributed the decline to the lack of facilities and training for laborers, the expense in acquiring export licenses, and port congestion.
“These are also the problems faced by the gift-toys and houseware industry,” the group noted.
For the health and wellness sector, Negrense spa owners also voiced their concerns on labor laws and the stiff competition among the establishments.
The team said there should be an identification of suitable markets for products and services, individual analyses of each industry, and schedule of appropriate venues to address the said concerns.
Also, the EDT said there will be conduct of sectoral forums to get the concerns of other stakeholders.(PNA)