Kabankalan City set its sights on becoming a major investment hub as local officials and business leaders outlined key development priorities during its first Investment Summit on Thursday, December 4.
The city presented proposals for an intermodal transport network, upgraded utilities, and improve other services to prepare the city for large-scale investments and strengthen its position outside Bacolod.
Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) vice president Frank Carbon, through a representative, urged the city to adopt a comprehensive development plan anchored on a clear strategy, an implementation roadmap, and a communication program designed to engage potential investors.
Carbon pressed the local government to shift future development away from floodplains and expand growth toward higher ground along the Kabankalan–Himamaylan corridor, stressing that flood-safe zones are vital to protecting long-term investments.
He also called on Kabankalan and Himamaylan to integrate their urban plans to create a compact, mixed-use district with walkable areas, open spaces, and increased tree cover.
The presentation showed the need for major infrastructure upgrades, including an improved drainage system, wastewater treatment facilities, and a sanitary landfill—projects Carbon said would require the expertise of seasoned urban planners.
Investors also pushed the city to strengthen its power and water supplies, noting that reliable utilities are essential for investors.
They also reiterated the need to revive the long-delayed airport project to boost regional connectivity.
The summit put fresh attention on the push to digitalize government processes, particularly the need to simplify business permits and licensing to ease delays and make transactions faster for investors.
Several investors also pressed the city to craft more competitive tax incentives, pointing out that big-ticket projects usually take time before they begin to pay off.
Councilor John Antolo said the summit opens opportunities for investments that could stimulate Kabankalan’s economy.
He also noted the need for more hotels, citing recurring accommodation shortages during major festivals.
Meanwhile, city administrator Mac Lord Zafra said officials aim to position Kabankalan as “a center of trade, commerce, and industry.”
He described the summit as a productive venue for exchanging ideas and shaping a more progressive and well-planned city.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.