'Proud To Be Ilonggo' campaign launched

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Ilonggos from various sectors gathered on Saturday, September 30, 2017, to launch a campaign which seeks to sustain developments in the city and province of Iloilo.

Iloilo Economic and Development Foundation Inc. (ILED), a non-profit, private sector-led organization, spearheaded the launching of "Proud to be Ilonggo" campaign held at Boracay Function Room of The Mansion (formerly Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center), attended by people from various sectors particularly business, professional, civil society, youth, academe, women, religious groups, and the media.

Chairman Narzalina Lim said in a press release that the campaign was conceived due to the recent disturbing events, which attempted to tarnish the good image of Iloilo.

President Rodrigo Duterte tagged Iloilo as “most shabulized” and “bedrock of illegal drugs.”

“We need to craft our own destiny and work together as self-reliant private citizens; to continue the upward trajectory that the city and province have been experiencing these past 10 years,” Lim said.

Police Regional Office (PRO-6) regional director Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag gave a presentation on the general peace and order situation of Iloilo, and he highlighted the gains of the region especially in the campaign against illegal drugs where the notorious drug lords and high value targets were apprehended or neutralized.

The region has no high profile crimes, political killings, liquidation of prominent personalities, kidnap for ransom, bank robbery or terrorist bombing incident.

Open forum and discussion with Pcspt. Binag and Mr. Rex C. Drilon II, ILEDF past chairman. Photo by ILED.

"Western Visayas remains as one of the most peaceful regions in the country," Binag said.




Executive Director Ma. Lea Lara of the Iloilo business club on Friday said the campaign will focus on two important pillars: economic development and tourism.

“The campaign is the first of the many that we will do to highlight the achievements, the advantages, the gains that we have been enjoying in the economic and tourism side,” she said.

The group will highlight the economic development by preparing an investment forum in Manila to be held tentatively in March 2018, and tourism so that the increasing number of tourists visiting Iloilo, especially for conferences and meetings, continues to grow.

Iloilo has been chosen by various groups as one of the most liveable places in the Philippines, one of the best places to invest in; and as a model of good governance. [With a report from PNA]

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