A national multi-sectoral group wants to study the strong partnership of the business sector and local government units (LGUs) in the city and province of Iloilo.

Gerry Constantino, assistant vice president for operations of European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), said Integrity Initiative is looking for good examples of strong partnership between LGUs and the private sector.

ECCP is one of the organizations behind Integrity Initiative which seeks the re-establishment of acceptable integrity standards among various sectors of society.

Previously, Integrity Initiative only gauged the relationships of national or international business with various national government agencies.

Apparently, the strong public-private partnership (PPP) in Iloilo has caught the attention of the group.

Constantino said noted the rise of numerous investments in the past years serves as a testament of the strong PPP that boosted the socio-economic status of the city and province of Iloilo.

“If we can gather more information, Iloilo can serve as best practice that could be replicated in other localities,” said Constantino.

The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) sees this as a good opportunity for Iloilo to further boost its PPP as well as addressing other issues of concern.

“The good PPP relationship can further standardize the various business processes,” said Lea Lara, IBC executive director.

Lara said this means that the level of transparency must be strengthened to further curb corruption.

Meanwhile, Constantino expressed optimism after different business organizations and stakeholders in Iloilo signed the Unified Code of Conduct for Business.

“We want to make business environment better. It means business organizations have to realize that integrity is a way to progress and development,” Constantino emphasized.

Constantino said it addresses the need to eliminate or lessen the degree of corruption.

“It robs the poor.  Corruption breeds bad roads, bad infrastructures and bad services,” Constantino expressed.

Source: The Daily Guardian; News; 8 April 2013