ROXAS CITY - "Given its abundant marine resources and the dynamism of its people and local leaders, the potential for growth of Roxas City is great. "It could be the country's next growth area just like Palawan and Cagayan de Oro".

This pronouncement was made by DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo after his two-day productive working visit to Roxas City on April 14-15, 2012.

Domingo was one of the seven cabinet secretaries who were invited by One Capiz Foundation during the 111th founding anniversary of the Province of Capiz and the celebration of the Capiztahan 2012.

Domingo, however, urged the province to work for inclusive growth in order for a broader section of society to enjoy the benefits of economic development.

He said focus should be made on the equitable allocation of resources such that it will redound to availability of consumer goods, increased people's access, employment, and standard of living of the Capizeños.

Meanwhile, he exhorted local entrepreneurs to go for export as he said this is the key to long-term business sustainability. He further challenged the SMEs not to limit themselves to serving only the Filipino community abroad when they could tap into the huge global market.

He also expressed optimism for the overall continued growth of the country as more investments are coming in particularly from Japan even as the country's GDP is also steadily posting growth.

Domingo was in Roxas City specifically for the inauguration of the Capiz Government and Business Center, People's Park, and Talon Adventure and Wildlife Park on April 14. He was also the guest of honor during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Robinson's Place – Roxas and the Roxas City Transport Terminal at Pueblo de Panay on 15 April 2012.