As leadership transition looms business sector wishes for project continuity

CEBU, Philippines —  Whoever will be elected as the next President of the Philippines, after May 2022 election, should vow for continuity of projects especially the present administration’s build-build-build program.

This is just one of the wishes laid out by Cebu business prime movers, as the country will soon undergo leadership transition amid trying and challenging times.

Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association (HRRAC) president Alfred Reyes said  it is also important for the Philippine economy to have a new President who honors the continuity of projects implemented by his/her predecessor, otherwise, the country goes back to zero and recovery efforts will be wasted.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Steven Yu believes that a wounded economy should be aided with speedy and serious implementation of infrastructure developments, good broadband network, and accommodative monetary policy, among others.

Yu highlighted the role of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) to the Philippine economy, as well as programs that support these sectors are needed.

Yu added that among other crucial projects that the next administration should focus on, include; Infrastructure in terms of roads, bridges and irrigation; Broadband Infrastructure ; Access to tourism sites to optimize their potentials; Develop more airports and sea ports;

Agriculture; Support to MSME development; Renewable Energy; Electric Vehicle infrastructure; Social Development; More hospitals and adequate healthcare facilities;

Free college education and other vocational courses; Social Housing; Accommodative Monetary Policy and Cybersecurity.

Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) president Pert Cabataña the role of the next President is crucial to the recovery journey of the country.

“I do hope and pray that our people will do a better job of choosing its leaders this time. We have no one to blame but ourselves for the choices that we make in our leadership structure,” Cabataña said.

Additionally, the next commander-in-chief and elected leaders should be able to convince more Filipinos to get vaccinated, as herd immunity is the solution to regain economic strength.