(FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, vice chair of the committee on appropriations, has called for a higher budget allocation for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to strengthen programs that drive strategic investments and international trade promotion.
During the committee’s budget deliberations on Wednesday, August 27, Ongchuan acknowledged the efforts of the DTI–Board of Investments (BOI) through its One-Stop-Action-Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI), which facilitates the government’s Green Lane projects. These projects are designed to fast-track the approval of big-ticket investments in key industries.
However, Ongchuan pointed out that the program is severely underfunded, receiving only around P5 million, and relies heavily on temporary personnel. Despite handling more than 212 Green Lane projects, the office operates with very limited manpower, resulting in bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay project approvals.
DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque agreed with Ongchuan, stressing that the Green Lane initiative is a flagship program to attract foreign investments and boost industry development.
BOI official Fe Del Rosario echoed these concerns, saying the current resources are insufficient to keep up with the volume of strategic projects.
Ongchuan also flagged the limited budget for other critical DTI programs, including the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Philippine Halal Industry Development Program, which aim to help local exporters tap global markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The Northern Samar lawmaker made two formal recommendations: first, to increase funding for OSAC-SI and the Green Lane initiative; and second, to boost allocations for trade promotion and industry development. He expressed full support for empowering DTI to attract more investments, promote Philippine exports, and create broader economic opportunities.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
