Lim: It pays to believe in God

Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim yesterday said it pays when people believe in God and themselves.
Lim made the statement in the aftermath of his successful presentation of the Tagbilaran experience fifth investment forum sponsored by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza last Aug. 29.

“There are those who ask why we are succeeding in presenting ourselves as a city which is open to investors,” he pointed out.

Lim said initial findings reveal that investors are interested in Tagbilaran because of five main factors.

First, he said Tagbilaran has the best quality in life among cities with a population of less than 200,000.

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) first gave this rating in 2006 and affirmed it this year.

Just like two years ago, AIM ranked Tagbilaran third over-all this year in its category.

Secondly, Lim said the city is very peaceful and people are highly secure of their lives.

The mayor recalled that a rash of criminalities rocked Tagbilaran early this year but the joint efforts led to the arrest and neutralization of the so-called Meloy Garcia gang which was the no. 1 most wanted group in Central Visayas.

“There is no such thing as a perfectly peaceful place. This is the closest that we can get to that,” he added.

Third, Lim said Tagbilaran is a city whose people know what they want and actively participate both in determining the direction the city is taking and in getting there.

Fourth, he lauded the city’s sound fiscal policies that convinced banking and financial institutions to give it a triple A credit rating.

“No bank or financial institution will be willing to lend if it is not assured that it will get its investment bank if not make money out of it,” he added.

Finally, Lim said Tagbilaran is a city that has clear directions spelled out in a road map prepared in consultation with the private sector, non-government and people’s organizations.

“It is true that we live in difficult times, dangerous times, discouraging times. We are a people who are aware of the odds but still refuse to throw in the towel,” the mayor noted.

He added that in a time of crisis and disappointment, the choice is between giving up and moving on.

The mayor also acknowledged the odds that the city has to overcome.

“It is one thing to do battle against adversaries like entrenched political dynasties, business establishments and criminal elements. It is another thing to deal with the enemy from within – bad habits, discouragement, despair and indifference,” he noted.

Lim said pointed out that even as people in other cities are the city is virtually in search of miracles, Tagbilaran is aspiring for growth and progress.

The mayor said that today, Tagbilaran is a city in search of a miracle, but quickly added that this is “good enough”.

“Miracles happen only to those who believe that they will happen. The people who look for miracles will find them in God’s appointed hour,” he concluded.