News Feature: Phl’s most business friendly city: San Fernando, Pampanga

Tuesday 10th of July 2012

PAMPANGA, July 10 -- The City of San Fernando, Pampanga’s (CSFP) holistic approach to governance is a key ingredient in reaping major national awards, including the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit Award for the third consecutive year, thereby elevating the City to the Hall of Fame of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Besting 17 other cities in its category, CSFP was successful in its bid because it passed the rigid screening done by the PCCI. The criteria covered vital aspects on good governance, public-private partnership, investment promotions, micro, small and medium enterprises development and quality management system and innovations.

Under the leadership of Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, CSFP’s business condition flourished as more investors were drawn to open their stores in the city. Because of the ease of doing business and City Hall processes complying with ISO 9001:2008 standards, many businesses consider CSFP as a prime spot.

The city was able to increase its business tax collection by P38 million in 2011 compared to 2010 because of the strong support of the business sector. Businessmen are encouraged to dutifully pay their dues because the administration of Mayor Rodriguez fosters transparency and accountability. In fact, CSFP was also awarded the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award and Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

With the influx of major shopping malls such as S&R, Jumbo Jenra and SM San Fernando (2nd in the City), more than P600 million capital investments came in. Along with President Benigno Aquino’s thrust of promoting public-private partnership, Mayor Rodriguez was able to forge partnerships with government and private agencies that cumulatively amounted to P922 million.

Behind the city’s success in terms of raising the quality of life of its people is the excellent leadership and dedication to service of Mayor Rodriguez, who led the City to tread a single direction toward the attainment of its vision of becoming a habitat of human excellence. (CLJD with reports from CSFP-PAMPU)