Binay discusses business policies with North Luzon businessmen

10/05/2008

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay recently discussed the need for a better and more responsive education system to stimulate business growth in the country with the Northern Luzon Chamber of Commerce (NLCC) at Clark Field, Pampanga.

As he shared the best practices of the city government of Makati with North Luzon business leaders, Binay emphasized the importance of a good education system that can produce skilled graduates whose competencies match the demands of the job market.

The mayor said students must be given the proper training to increase their employability once they graduate and improve their chances of being entrepreneurs themselves.

“We have to hone the minds of the next generation that they may be equipped with the know-how to handle the working environment. Likewise, there is a need to train them to be entrepreneurs themselves, that they may contribute much more to the community,” Binay said.

The mayor cited as an example the establishment of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Training Center at the University of Makati (UMAK) in response to the rising industry demand. The center is being run in partnership with leading industry players, including People Support, Ambergris Solutions and Accenture.

“The rapidly growing BPO sector in Makati requires a constant and adequate supply of manpower, so we have taken the bull by its horns by making sure that UMAK graduates are able to satisfy industry requirements. This is our way of helping our constituents, especially the less privileged, become the prime beneficiaries of the city’s economic prosperity,” Binay said.

He added local governments must take the lead in becoming engines of growth of the country. He urged the business leaders present to support their localities by assisting in the crafting of business policies attuned to their specific needs.

“Each locality has its own considerations. If we are able to bring together the business sector and the local government to sit down and craft specific plans, then we would be able to attain significant growth,” the mayor said.

Binay also discussed the need to battle graft and corruption and red tape to be able to speed up business processes. He said anti-graft and corruption measures must be taken so that trust may be fostered between the private and public sector.

“The way to empowering our national economy is by empowering our local government economies, that they may contribute more, at the same time facilitate the growth of their localities and their constituents. We need to promote transparency and accountability at the local level,” Binay said.

Besides the city government’s premium focus on education, the Makati mayor also shared the city’s health programs and programs for senior citizens such as free movies and P2,000 allowances annually.

“The continuing challenge for local governments, and the national government for that matter, is to set the ideal business climate that would not only attract but retain enterprises and businesses. It takes more than just reforms in business-related policies to do this. Public officials must never lose sight of what government is all about. Taxpayers expect, and rightfully deserve, the best service we can possibly provide,” Binay said.

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