The growth and development of Iligan City are subject to trade, industrial and local policies in addition to historical and physical factors. These have mainly to do with planning and management of the city such as provision for infrastructure and social services. On May 17, 1989, a conference was held in Iligan City with a theme on "Rouse a Sleeping Giant", and it conjures an image of a city in suspended animation, bereft of creativity and internal vitality to respond to challenges for self-sustaining economic growth and prosperity due to ineffective or absence of urban policies and programs.