Iloilo City has charmed most locators to settle in the metropolis despite difficult times as spaces were selling like hotcakes amid lockdowns.

This was the assessment of industry leader Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) in its latest report.

“Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ programs to address the pandemic have shown leadership and preparedness,” LPC stated.

The real estate sector expert noticed Trenas’ initiatives resulted to favorable peace and order situation with the city ranked 8th safest in Southeast Asia in an online survey.

Looking forward, LPC further credited the soon-to-rise P38-million Command Center for Disaster Risk Reduction and Traffic Management at the Iloilo City Center township along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district.

The Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) facility hosting emergency, police and fire personnel and equipment is expected to be completed next year.

The site accessible and nearest from centerpoint has been donated by Gaisano Capital Group of Companies, among the big support extended by giant firms to City Hall.

LPC also affirmed Treñas’ environmental efforts and swift pandemic response.

Meanwhile, the operations of Uswag Iloilo City Molecular Laboratory has helped manage coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, cases effectively as part of the holistic approach that has brought down daily cases to single digit.

Treñas hoped this development sparks a bright spot for economic recovery amidst crisis due to  COVID-19.

Earlier, Treñas welcomed the entry of a technology company set to open at the Iloilo Business Park starting January, bringing in 1,200 jobs.

Iloilo has been hailed Most Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized City outside Manila by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2019./WDJ