DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Feb 16 (PIA) - Being a gateway to Zamboanga Peninsula is Dipolog's strategic advantage.

Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, in an interview over Laging Handa Network Briefing this morning stressed that the city's ports of entry are very important aspects in spurring tourism and economic development.

"During the pandemic, we saw the importance of the LGU-owned port in the movement of persons and essential goods," he said.

The seaport has been a good source of revenue for the city. "So, we have an ongoing program to improve the services and facilities of the Dipolog City Port," he added.

The local government unit is also supporting programs and plans for the upgrading and improvement of Dipolog City Airport "as it plays a key role in transportation, tourism and economic development," the mayor said.

"We believe that the economic fundamentals of Dipolog City are strong, despite the adversities which have been proven by our outstanding performance in the international competitiveness index," he said.

Among 113 component cities, Dipolog is 17th in economic dynamism and 31st in overall competitiveness.

"The city's high competitiveness ranking speaks for itself," he emphasized.

Mayor Uy assured the Dipolognons of the City's continued development and progress noting, "mananatili tayo bilang mahalagang economic player sa Zamboanga Peninsula at Mindanao".

He said that moving forward, if the LGU will be able to maintain its competitiveness, he can see no reason why it can’t get to its long-term vision of being a sustainable, innovative and capable city. (RVC/EDT/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)