Northern samar: Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan has introduced a bill aimed at institutionalizing the position of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) across all local government units in the country. Ongchuan's House Bill 602 seeks to amend Republic Act 7160, formally known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to ensure the permanent placement of LEDIPOs in provincial, city, and first- and second-class towns. For the third to sixth class towns, the appointment of LEDIPOs will remain optional, Ongchuan said in a statement Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ongchuan emphasized the need for a permanent LEDIPO role due to inconsistent policies and programs resulting from the temporary nature of current LEDIPO appointments, which are subject to changes by new local administrations. "This bill is designed to provide continuity and stability, preventing the disruption of economic initiatives and ensuring sustained development across local sectors," Ongchuan stated.
The lawmaker highlighted that this position was initially encouraged in a 2010 memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, aimed at cultivating a more business-friendly environment to attract local and foreign investors. House Bill 602 also outlines stringent qualification criteria for LEDIPOs, ensuring that only highly experienced and educated individuals can undertake these critical roles.
According to the proposed legislation, LEDIPOs will be responsible for formulating local investment codes, facilitating economic projects, and promoting their LGUs as prime investment locations. In conjunction with the enforcement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s Executive Order 18, which establishes "Green Lanes" to expedite strategic investments, Ongchuan stated, "this bill will potentially transform local economic landscapes by making them more competitive and investment-friendly."
"By making the LEDIPO position permanent, we aim to institutionalize a robust framework for economic growth that can withstand administrative turnovers," he concluded.
