TACLOBAN CITY – A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to institutionalize the position of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) across all local government units (LGUs) in the country to ensure sustained and strategic economic planning.
House Bill 602, filed by Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, aims to amend Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, to mandate the permanent establishment of LEDIPO positions in provincial, city, and first- and second-class municipalities. For third- to sixth-class municipalities, the appointment of a LEDIPO would remain optional.
“By making the LEDIPO position permanent, we aim to institutionalize a robust framework for economic growth that can withstand administrative turnovers,” Ongchuan said, adding that this is crucial especially as LGUs work to recover and strengthen their local economies in the wake of global disruptions.
Ongchuan noted that the LEDIPO role was first recommended in a 2010 Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum, which sought to foster a more business-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investments.
He also pointed out that the lack of permanence in current LEDIPO appointments has led to inconsistent policies and economic programs, often disrupted by changes in local leadership.
“This bill is designed to provide continuity and stability, preventing the disruption of economic initiatives and ensuring sustained development across local sectors,” he added.
If passed into law, the LEDIPO will be tasked with formulating local investment codes, facilitating economic development projects, and promoting their respective LGUs as prime investment destinations.
The measure also aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 18, s. 2023, which created “Green Lanes” for strategic investments. Ongchuan believes the bill will support the EO’s goals by making local economic landscapes more competitive and investor-friendly.
Ongchuan expressed hope that the bill will soon move forward to the deliberation stage in Congress, with expectations for swift approval to help build economic resilience and drive sustainable development in the country’s diverse localities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
