USAID highlights Zamboanga potential as economic engine

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) -  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Invest is organizing a day-long Needs Assessment Workshop highlighting on the city’s potential as an economic engine in Mindanao and the Philippines.

The activity will be participated by players and stakeholders in the business and investment sectors. It is intended to “identify crucial needs and development challenges of the city vis-à-vis existing programs and projects of development partners and national government agencies.”

The workshop is part of USAID’s Cities Development Initiative (CDI) program which envisions to enhance development of identified cities as engines of growth that is inclusive and environmentally sustainable and resilient.

John Lawrence Avila, OEDG-USAID Project Management Specialist stressed that Zamboanga City’s participation in the CDI is being considered “given its potential as a driver of economic growth in the region and the country.”

Mayor Beng Climaco will give the welcome remarks and will also make a presentation on the city’s development plans and priorities during the workshop. Daniel Miller, USAID-Philippines Director will address the participants.

Other topics and the resource persons during the workshop are Zamboanga City’s role in the development of Zamboanga Peninsula to be presented by the NEDA-9 OIC Chief Eleanor Reyes, Results of Industry-Academe Workshop for Zamboanga City and an Overview of USAID’s Environment and Climate Change Program by Joseph Foltz, USAID-Deputy Director.

The workshop proper will cover four main issues: Infrastructure, Utilities and Transport with City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat as facilitator; Enabling Environment for Investment/ Cost of Doing Business with Business Permits and Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo as facilitator; Production Sectors and Potential Industries with City Investment Officer Marie Angelique Go as facilitator and Health to be facilitated by the USAID Office of Health. (Sheila Covarrubias) (111114)