ERWIN P. NICAVERA
August 13, 2020
WHILE waiting for the economic stimulus from the national government, a local business group has stressed the need for local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental to keep the local economy afloat by "keeping the balance."
Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said there should be a balance between health and economy in the fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
"It will be harder to revive it [economy] when it goes under," he added.
The business group suggested some measures that can be done for the rest of the year like promulgation of an "eviction protection" ordinance.
Carbon explained that there should be deferment in due rentals or reduction of rentals among commercial spaces as well as boarding and rented houses.
Carbon said LGUs, if they have not done it yet, should also pass ordinances on price freeze and anti-hoarding.
"Local governments should activate their respective Price Coordinating Council that will determine and set the suggested retail prices (SRPs) of different basic and essential goods," he added.
The business leader reiterated the need to start a "cash and food for work" program, start or restart local infrastructure projects, and create a food lane or an express road lane for trucks carrying food and other essentials.
"We can do a lot of things together--LGUs and business community--especially in supporting each other as we move along carefully navigating these uncharted waters," he stressed.
