Tagbilaran City has been chosen as one of the finalists in the Most Business Friendly LGU Award (City Level 3) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for the third time. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has regularly conducted the search for local government units who have provided an encouraging climate for businesses. This year, PCCI is on the lookout for LGUs who has been successful in restoring and increasing the business operations in their area thru significant and sustained innovative actions despite the extreme challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s LGU awards initiative aims to highlight LGU success stories and best practices that go beyond the ordinary to address the overwhelming negative impacts of the current pandemic to the business community.

City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap recognized the significant contribution of the entire City Government in the management of the health crisis, “This is a real team effort. Tagbilaran City is able to strike a balance between safeguarding health and revitalizing local economy by a dynamic synergy among the local government, business sector, and the community. The support and cooperation of each sector made the COVID-19 management successful,” Mayor Yap said.

Tagbilaran City, along with eleven other finalists led by Balanga, Cauayan, Iriga, Koronadal, Alaminos, Laoag, Panabo, San Fernando, San Pedro, Vigan, and Tuguegarao will defend their respective entries among the distinguished panel from PCCI on Monday, October 11.

Tagbilaran City’s entry highlighted its efforts in establishing consumer confidence among the business owners in Tagbilaran. The rapid impact assessment conducted by Prof. Michael Canares also provided a clear roadmap for the response and recovery plan made by the City Government. Its initiatives towards strengthening the health protocols in Tagbilaran, together with outlining specific health requirements to the business establishments on how to operate under the new normal made a strong point. The entry also highlighted the new businesses which opened in Tagbilaran City even amidst the pandemic. In fact, in 2020, Tagbilaran City exceeded the annual target set by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF). The awarding will be conducted during the PCCI’s 47th Philippine Business Conference on November 18, 2021.