MAYOR URGES BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN CEBU

Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña is urging foreign and local businessmen to invest in Cebu amid the political turmoil that the country is experiencing today.

"Cebu is now the best place to make business in the Philippines. We have political and economic stability. The peace and order situation is relatively peaceful,’’ Osmeña said.

The rallies and demonstrations calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are only confined within Metro Manila, the mayor said.

The political and business leaders in Cebu are united. We have a common vision to make the city and the entire province a better place to live in.

"More importantly, we shared a united stand supporting President Gloria Arroyo,’’ said Osmeña, who is now in The Netherlands for an official trip.

Aside from the stability in politics and economy, Osmeña stressed that Cebu has an educated and skilled work force.

Cebu City has a world class communication and transportation facilities making it easy for businessmen and tourists to be connected and travel around the world.

Osmeña said the city will place some advertisements in the leading national dailies urging the investors to make business in Cebu.

"We will show to them (investors) that Philippines is not Metro Manila. There is Cebu City which is better for business than Metro Manila,’’ he said.

During his state of the city address last week, Osmeña rallied the Cebuanos to take advantage on the political crisis in Metro Manila.

"It is really now our chance to show to Manila that they are no longer the leaders. Cebu will step into their shoes and we will lead the way,’’ Osmeña stressed in his speech during the inaugural session of the Cebu City Council.

Osmeña urged Cebuanos not to be bothered by the chaotic political situation in Metro Manila. Instead, he asked the city residents to exercise a strong sense of self reliance.

"If we, here in Cebu, are just are just going to react on what we see in the television and read in the newspapers, then we will be a victim of our own sense of pride,’’ Osmeña stressed.

Mayor Osmeña together entire city council, department heads and rank and file employees have expressed their full support to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (City Public Information Office)