FERRY SERVICES. Fastcraft docking at the Bredco port in Bacolod City. Passenger ferry services across Bacolod and Iloilo have yet to resume as both cities are still under general community quarantine. (PNA Bacolod file photo)
BACOLOD CITY – A leader of the business community in Negros Occidental is pushing for the resumption of inter-island and inter-province trading across Negros, Panay, and Cebu as one of the measures for economic recovery amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said on Tuesday that inter-province trading actually contributes 20 to 30 percent to the local economy.
Ferry services for goods and passengers between Bacolod and Iloilo, Negros and Cebu, Negros and Guimaras, and Negros and Panay should be opened, he said.
For now, fastcraft trips between Bacolod and Iloilo are still suspended while both cities are under general community quarantine.
Roll-on/roll-off (Roro) trips between Bacolod and Dumangas in Iloilo province are limited to transporting rolling cargoes, front-liners, government officials and employees, and authorized persons outside of residence.
Carbon said that for Bacolod, it is about time to put more efforts on economic and business recovery initiatives since the city’s fight against Covid-19 is gaining ground with the supervision of retired Maj. Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, deputy chief implementer of Inter-Agency Task Force-Visayas.
“Let us now start generating employment and livelihood,” he said.
Moreover, the MBCCI has suggested that Bacolod and Negros Occidental open an economic recovery center, develop a business continuity plan, and put up a small business help desk.
He added stakeholders can also consider re-opening tourist destinations as well.
“We have to start programs that will generate jobs and livelihood by restarting infrastructure projects, implementing cash-for-work programs, and providing micro grants for micro businesses,” Carbon said, adding these programs can bring back the confidence of the community to the local economy.
He also called on the local government units (LGUs) anew to avail of financial assistance being offered by the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines.
The DBP extends funding through the Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events (RESPONSE) while the Land Bank offers lending with Restoration and Invigorating Package for Self-Sufficient Economy towards Upgrowth (RISE UP). (PNA)
