Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia clarified yesterday that Bacolod City is one of the finalists for the Most Business-Friendly City, contrary to reports that it has been disqualified.

The mayor has been invited by Miguel Varela, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to attend the awarding ceremony of the 37th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, in a letter dated October 5, 2011.

In his letter, Varela, 37th PBC Award chairman, said “We hope your participation in this award search has contributed to increasing business competitiveness and efficiency to Bacolod City.”

‘Commercial rice
rates still stable’

The National Food Authority has distributed 3,477 bags of rice in Negros Occidental as of Oct. 7, which is 23 percent of the total target of 15,000 bags for the month.

NFA provincial economist Benilda Fidel said the rice distribution is low because there is enough supply of rice in the market and prices have remained stable.

Fidel said the low accomplishment report does not imply negative effects but rather a positive one because NFA serves as a ready market for the retailers if prices of rice in the commercial market are high.

FTA forum slated

Directors and division chiefs of Free Trade Agreements under the Association of South East Asian Nations-Korea, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, will be in Bacolod City Thursday for an  information session discussing market opportunities with local exporters, distributors, and traders.

Engiemar Tupas, acting business development division chief of Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental, said yesterday the session aims to increase nationwide awareness on FTAs and appreciation of benefits under agreements with other countries.

The discussions will focus on products with zero and reduced tariffs under the existing free trade agreements,  and the procedures on accessing them, Tupas said.

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