DTI finds Aklan economy robust
BY VENUS G VILLANUEVA

KALIBO, Aklan - Aklan's economy is robust, according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes. "There is going to be good economic prospects for the year for the province," she stressed.
For this year, some 155 new jobs are seen to be generated by the SMEs, according to Pollentes. She stressed however, the need for the province to have an Incentive and Investment Code so investors will have more confidence to do business here, especially in Boracay Island, the prime tourist destination of the country.
This, said Pollentes, could be because the national financial house is in order due to EVAT implementation. "Business is also brisk here, there is a sustained construction boom In Boracay Island," she added.
With the construction activities in Boracay, Pollentes said jobs are created. She also cited the strong presence of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) here which continue to provide jobs to highly skilled Pina and abaca weavers, gifts and house wares makers, furniture makers and food processors.business stipulations and directions for investment opportunities in the province, as well as incentives for businessmen.
Queried on the possibility of having a reenacted national budget that might affect the programs and services of the DTI in the province, Pollentes said that cost-sharing and operating on a limited budget could sustain the agency's activities with the assistance of the provincial government, the LGUs and the SMEs.
Pollentes also revealed that Aklan is currently enjoying sufficient supply of commodities and stable prices of manufactured goods, based on their quarterly monitoring report on basic necessities and prime commodities compared with last month's prices, except for flour which increased in prices due to higher purchase price.