CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – One more instance of “ever-growing” investor confidence in this city famed for being “most business-friendly.”
So said Mayor Edwin D. Santiago as he welcomed executives of Isuzu Philippines and off-road enthusiasts to the kick-off ceremony of the D-Max 4X4 Drive Series dubbed One Challenge Five Destinations during the weekend.
“It is a privilege for the city to host the first of five legs of the off-road challenge in the country. I extend the appreciation of Fernandinos, especially those who are inclined to 4×4 driving, to the Isuzu Corp. for this investor confidence in the city as being the most business-friendly city,” said Santiago.
Reciprocating Santiago’s goodwill, Nobuo Izumina, president of Isuzu Philippines Corp., expressed his company’s “satisfaction over the city’s business climate which has proved very beneficial.” Isuzu’s presence in the city goes beyond its dealership to being the byword in pick-up trucks for off-roading enthusiasts.
Santiago himself acknowledged having an Isuzu as his first ever pick-up which he still owns and uses until today, among other Isuzu vehicles. Together with Isuzu EVP Takashi Tomita, INTECO President Raymond Jarina and Izumina, Santiago made the ceremonial drive over an off-road course with sudden dips and rises, 49-degree inclines which their D-Max 4X4 easily breezed through.
Taking much interest at the event held April 25- 27 at the Eastgate Center was Engr. Marni Castro, past president of the Pampanga Off-Roaders Club Inc. From the City of San Fernando, the Isuzu D-max 4×4 Drive Series goes to Cebu on May 9-11, Bacolod on May 23-25, Cagayan de Oro on June 6-8 and Davao on June 20-22, 2014.