Today, Pagadian has 165 thousand residents. On any day, close to 50 thousand tourists, and visitors drop by for business engagements, for official transactions, and for personal affairs.

As regional center, the population Pagadian skyrocket as the city has become a relocation hotspot for the employees of most regional offices of national government agencies. With massive infrastructure projects, booming business, and flooding tourists, Pagadian has transformed to an urbanized, densely populated component city.

Almost in all aspects, the city becomes richer day by day. Nevertheless, a number of drawbacks may upset political conservatives who would prefer an uncomplicated and undemanding community.

Top on the list is the rising figures of crime incidents, which is normal, nevertheless, to a bigger populace. City Hall and Police officials claim that compared to other urbanized cities in the country, the crime rate in Pagadian is relatively low; and that crime incidents here are isolated cases.

Other disadvantages, triggered by the law of supply and demand, is the soaring cost of goods and services and the potential shortage of marine products and agricultural produce, particularly vegetables.

The less productive and other financially challenged group may not cope with progress and count themselves to the mounting urban poor.

But Pagadian has some magic in the air. The local government strengthens the city's healthy economy by providing steady jobs, keeping low unemployment rate, and promising job growth for continued prosperity for all. The City provides more livelihood financial assistance to cooperatives and other sectoral groups to ease poverty. Officials lure businessmen, investors, and other enterprising individuals with tax incentives and with controlled peace and order situation.

With more business and employment opportunities, more wealth of amenities and entertainment, and more vigorous and sensitive local government policies, Pagadian, undoubtedly, will become a sound relocation hotspot and a well-sought tourist destination. (nmbdablo@yahoo.com)

Last update: 26-01-2009 22:37