ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has chosen Iloilo as a partner in its Cities Development Initiative (CDI) program.
 
“Iloilo City has been selected because it demonstrates economic potential,” said Gloria Steele, USAID Mission Director for the Philippines.
 
The CDI is a five-year program under the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth signed last November 2011 during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
 
It is designed to find solutions on constraints of economic growth and development in Iloilo City through partnership between USAID, the city government, business sector, civil society, and the academe.
 
The CDI will also tackle issues including lack of stable electric power and water supply, poor health facilities, and improving the conduciveness of doing business.
 
The program works on the premise that economic growth and employment opportunities are parallel with urban development.
 
Steele explained that once Iloilo City’s economic potentials are harnessed, it will pave the way for the eventual development of nearby areas and is expected to grow “the way Metro Manila has grown.”
 
Steele added that USAID Philippines applauds the commitment of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog in promoting good governance as well as attracting investors.
 
“It takes a strong partnership between the public and private sectors to work towards long-term and inclusive development,” Steele said.