ILOILO CITY (PIA) - - Ilonggo former Senator Franklin M. Drilon echoed the call of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to local government units (LGUs) to engage in public-private partnership (PPP) to pursue their developmental goals.

Drilon cited, as an example, the recent partnership between the Iloilo City government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. for the redevelopment of two public markets in the city.

“I join the call for more meaningful partnerships between the local government units and the private sector to foster inclusive economic growth, infrastructure and employment. This is the way forward. The private sector plays a vital role in promoting progress and in building critical infrastructure that the people need,” Drilon said in a statement last August 7.

Drilon said LGUs should embark on PPPs and emulate the Iloilo City government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

“It’s about time that we modernize these markets. This initiative bodes well for our efforts to promote Iloilo as a prime tourism destination and as the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) center,” said Drilon, who has been instrumental in the development of Iloilo city and the province.

“I support the project. The whole business community has expressed support for the undertaking,” he added .

The former senator also called on political opponents of Mayor Treñas to set aside politics and support the project. He allayed fears of the markets’ legitimate stall holders, citing the assurances made in public by the city mayor that they will not be displaced. (PR/laf/PIA6-Iloilo/Photo courtesy of A. Almacen)