LOCAL business leaders gave honors to Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon for his great contribution to Iloilo’s business and economic development during a reception on Aug. 16, 2019 jointly hosted by the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. and the Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Organization, Inc.
They recognized his contribution for Iloilo’s continuing growth for the last 12 years that effectively changed Iloilo’s business landscape.
For example, they cited his efforts in the construction of the Iloilo International Airport; the 15-kilometer widened Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue which is the main gateway to the city from the airport. This was complemented by the 14-kilometer four-lane circumferential road or the President Corazon Aquino Avenue, which provides easy access to the city and opened new areas for development.
Senator Drilon was also responsible for the construction of the six-meter wide Iloilo Esplanade of eight kilometers, considered the longest linear park in the country and is a model of urban development. He was likewise credited for building the Iloilo Convention Center that has become the site of national gatherings of civic and business groups nationwide and even from other countries.
He thanked local leaders and the Iloilo business community for recognizing his efforts. He believes, however, that there is more to be done and thinks that the development of Iloilo is still a work in progress.
Along the idea of expansion and growth, the creation of a Metropolitan Iloilo has been in our mind. In fact this was the subject of our column of April 17th last year.
Setting up Metro Iloilo will give Iloilo City the chief city function and then adopt a uniform and compliant policy for the principal municipalities at its perimeter, namely Pavia, Leganes, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Oton, in addition to the existing districts of Iloilo City.
We believe that creating “Metro Iloilo” is along the idea of progress that the good senator has in mind for his fellow Ilonggos and wish that he considers this concept of growing Iloilo to open new opportunities for business and growth.
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GEM OF THOUGHT
“I love you dear. I’ll love you till China and Africa meet, and the river jumps over the mountain and the salmon sing in the street.” – W.H. Auden (For comments or re-actions, please e-mail to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com/PN)
