Forum shows investment opportunities in Western Visayas

Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas presents his message to business leaders on why Metro Iloilo -Guimaras is an investment hotspot. He gave the speech during the Metro Iloilo – Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) investment forum on Monday, November 20. (Photo by ZEUS LEGASPI)

MANILA, Philippines – The agriculture sector in Western Visayas is targeting to gain new business ventures following the holding of the first investment forum of Metro Iloilo – Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) in Manila on Monday.

This projection was expressed by Iloilo city Mayor Jerry Treñas, who is the chairperson of MIGEDC.

He made the forecast after the council presented to businessmen opportunities to invest in agriculture, agro-tourism, and agro-industrial sectors in the region.

“It is very important because Iloilo province is largely agricultural,” the mayor said.

Treñas said a major infrastructure now being built in Iloilo is the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) which is intended to help farmers.

Set to be completed in two years, JRMP will irrigate about 33,000 hectares of land.

The project is expected to triple rice production in the province and eventually increase the income of its farmers, Treñas said.

The initiative will also provide water supply to Iloilo’s municipalities, he added.

During the forum, local businessmen presented to investors business possibilities in Iloilo city, Guimaras, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Leganes, Oton, Pavia, and Sta. Barbara.

The event was organized with Iloilo Economic Development (ILED) Foundation.

It was attended by investors across industries including power, water, infrastructure, medical services, and tourism.