The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Oriental Negros headed by Alex Sy reiterated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to take a bigger stake in domestic investment, and take advantage of the country's economic gains.

"As long as the economy is stable, it is the best time to invest," Sy said, citing the important role of local investors in the economic growth of towns and cities. He said local investors are important because they will affect the livelihood of the masses. Sy lauded one of President Arroyo's centerpiece projects -- the Nautical Highway - calling it one way of cutting down the expenses of transporting products between islands.

Dumaguete City is one of the stops in the Nautical Highway, which consists of a series of highways and seaports where buses and other transport vehicles are shipped through roll-on and roll-off barges.

The project brought people and products to other areas in the country faster and cheaper.

Sy said he hopes that the city's need for more and better basic infrastructure will be fulfilled soon.

He said the highways in the city need to be widened, and the Dumaguete seaport and airport rehabilitated and improved in to attract more investors.*RG

back to top