Amid power interruptions and a “subjective” peace and order situation, investors continue to come to General Santos City (GenSan). The city economic management and cooperative development office reported the new investment status as of April 30 with a P69,400,425 capitalization and local revenue of P301,209.
Of the 101 permits approved, 98 are in micro business capital classification. GenSan has a total of 395 companies legally operating as of April; 85 had their business permits approved in January, 84 in February and 125 in March. Among the approved permits per sector, 51 are in wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and personal and household goods.
This sector has the highest number of approved permits, followed by other community, social and personal services with 15 permits; and hotels and restaurants with nine. Other industries include electricity, gas and water supply; agriculture, hunting and forestry; construction; manufacturing; transport, storage and communication; real estate and renting activities; education; health and social works; and, information and communication technology.
Pilar T. Afuang, executive director of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., said 80% of the businesses in the city are small and medium enterprises involving a variety of industries, including fruit processing, tuna value-added products and processing, and handicrafts for exportation.
Apparently, the tuna fishing industry is perceptibly declining, she said, while cultured pangasius are being developed for local and international distribution, particularly to Brunei, which is being tapped by associations of exporters in GenSan.
Afuang noted that the chamber has been inviting call centers to settle in the city. Trainings on medical transcription already started, she said, and “hopefully, papasok ang mga BPO (business process outsourcing) this year.”
Although there is a good tandem between Acharon and Custodio (who switched positions as representative and mayor respectively in 2010 elections), tedious government processes have been a problem among businessmen according to Afuang. “It’s killing the industry,” she added, stressing the importance to cut down bureaucracy. Say for example, “maraming nag-aaprove just to ship a product,” she said.
Further, there is less power problem in GenSan now. Afuang said they have 30-minute to one hour power interruptions, shorter than the supposed 3-hour brownouts. She added that the construction of CONAL power plant has been started which will generate 200 megawatts; 100 MW will be directed to the region 12 which means lower power rate, while the other 100 MW will be delivered to the Mindanao grid by 2012.
