ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Businesses in Iloilo City are booming as evidenced by the increasing number of business permits issued by the city government here through the Investment Services, Business Permit and Licensing Division (ISBPLD).

Records from the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) indicated a total of 18,033 businesses in the metro were issued with business permits as of August 31 this year.

The figure is composed of 2,000 permits for new businesses and 16,033 business permit renewals.

"There are new opportunities to do business in our city. Other factors include the city's mobility and business friendliness. We have also accessible and responsive services and business permitting," Lao added.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, for his part, said the surge of businesses in the metro indicates that the local economy is improving amid the challenges brought by COVID-19 since 2020.

The mayor is also optimistic about an even better economy next year, with more jobs available.

Treñas noted  that the off-site payment centers established by the City Government in malls such as in The Atrium, Marymart Mall, Festive Walk and SM City Iloilo also helped a lot as it provided easy, fast and convenient access for those who are applying for renewal and payment of business permits and other payment-related transactions. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo/Iloilo City PIO)