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)

ORMOC CITY— A 72-year-old widow and her 17-year-old granddaughter died on the spot after being hit by a black Ford pickup truck while crossing the national highway in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Baybay City at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

The victims, identified by police as alias “Lolit” and her granddaughter alias “Trish,” were residents of Barangay San Isidro of said city.

Initial police investigation revealed that the SUV, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as alias “Ed” from Barangay Maslug, was heading from Baybay City proper toward Albuera, Leyte when it struck the victims. Due to the impact, both were reportedly thrown about 60 feet from the point of collision and sustained fatal injuries.

Responding police officers said they were alerted to the incident by a concerned citizen. The driver was brought to Immaculate Conception Hospital for medical attention due to high blood pressure and is now under police custody for proper disposition.

The victims’ remains were brought to a local funeral home before being returned to their family.

(ROBERT DEJON)

MACROHON, SOUTHERN LEYTE– The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8), in collaboration with PSA Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the National ID Awareness Forum and Authentication Services Integration Coordination Meeting for Relying Parties.

The event took place on June 24, 2025, at Kuting Reef in Macrohon, Southern Leyte. We were honored to have key PSA officials grace the event, including Deputy National Statistician (DNS) Rosalinda P. Bautista, OIC National Statistician Atty. Henedine P. Palabras, and Government Service Use Case Division Chief Oliver P. Chancoco.

This initiative provided a platform to orient Local Government Units (LGUs) in Southern Leyte, National Government Agencies (NGAs), academic institutions, hospitals, banks, and other private sector entities about the National ID System and National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS).

A significant highlight of the event was the live demonstration by the Maasin City LGU on how NIDAS has been integrated into their Records Verification System (RVS), currently utilized at the City Civil Registry Office.

Maasin City is the first LGU in the Visayas regions to achieve the integration, and strongly encourage all LGUs present to replicate the milestone, which undoubtedly propel streamlined transactions and efficient digitalization services.

The presenters during the forum included Marife R. Molon, Registration Officer III and Regional Focal Person; Ms. Raylene R. Ricarte, Registration Officer II and PSA Southern Leyte NID Focal Person; and Ariel Cortel, Administrative Assistant II from LGU Maasin City. PSA officials also appealed for the assistance of all stakeholders in disseminating the importance of registering for the National ID System and addressed questions from the media and attendees.

For inquiries and further information, please visit the PSA’s official website at www.psa.gov.ph or contact our office at (053) 839-1884 or rsso08@psa.gov.ph.(PR)