ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 29 (PIA) - - data speaks for the city that it has been
economically moving forward, steadily, for the last 10 years as World Fund for
Nature (WWF)-Philippines Vice Chairman and CEO Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan presented
this economic and social data during the scenario building exercise on business
risk assessment and management of climate change impacts conducted here
recently.
The
data which was a result of a study made by WWF-Philippines and Bank of
Philippine Islands ((BPI) showed that remarkable growth across various
parameters and sectors in the city has been noted from 1990-2010.
Basing
from the data, Tan said there are various elements of Zamboanga’s economy that
are doing better as compared to other major cities like Cebu and Davao.
“Cebu
and Davao are perceived to be doing better, but in reality, it is Zamboanga
that is doing better. You (Zamboanga) emerged as the second wealthiest city in
Mindanao,” Tan was quoted as saying.
Backing
up his claimed, Tan presented data gathered from the WWF-BPI study that showed
50% increase of population density from 1990-2010; number of housing units has
more than doubled from 78,476 in 1990 to 149,622 in 2007, number of
universities increased a hundred fold and schools by level and educational
enrollment more than doubled.
The
WWF executive also cited the motor vehicle registration that soared by 315%.
Inbound cargo also grew by 50% and outbound cargo sky rocketed to 168% as
import volume more than tripled.
Tan
said, the data also revealed that coco-based products are the city’s top export
while rice and industrial salt are the city’s top import.
There
is also notable increased in tourist arrivals of 200%, which translates to an
improved tourism industry.
“Number
of hotels increased by 250% and number of hotel rooms grew 76%, and numerous
other data showing that Zamboanga has grown by leaps and bounds,” Tan reported.
The
Scenario-building exercise was a joint project of WWF-PHL and BPI intended to
make the concerned city understand the “new” business risks and opportunities
that may arise from climate change.
Tan
said WWF-PHL and BPI conducted the first phase of the study in Davao, Ilo-ilo,
Cebu and Baguio and the second phase is being conducted in CDO, Zamboanga and
Laoag and Dagupan. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)