The Department of Local and Government National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) conducted a 3-day coaching session on Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness (BFC) Indicators on June 3 to 5, 2024 at Ardenhills Suites, Quezon City.

With the theme, “Sustaining a Business-Friendly and Competitive Environment in the Metro,” the coaching session aims to refresh local government units’ (LGUs) knowledge on the strategies in amplifying the local business environment for a distinguishable economic development. Moreover, it highlights the salient features of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (R.A. 11032), the institutionalization of Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), and successful practices in sustaining a business-friendly and competitive LGU.

Division Chief Helen A. Verzosa welcomed the participants and extended appreciation for their vital contributions in leading a sound business environment in the region. The participants were composed of members of the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) of the NCR LGUs.

“It has always been the goal of the DILG to assist the LGUs in enhancing the local business environment in their respective areas that will prompt local investments including increased investment from the private industries in public sector infrastructure and services,” said DC Verzosa.

Starting the lecture series, Atty. Garri A. Atayde from the Anti-Red Tape Authority explained the importance of adhering to the EODB law provisions to deliver effective and smooth transactions of public services and the updating of citizen’s charter regularly.

John Renze R. Gelua from the DILG Bureau of Local Government Development provided an overview on the local economic development framework and the significance of the framework in crafting timely policies and interventions of the DILG.

“The local government development framework serves as a guide to the development of programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) of the department,” said LGOO III Gelua. In addition, he underscored the streamlining of regulatory processes and monitoring of LGUs compliances in line with the EODB law.

Thereafter, Division Chief Ma. Sheryl R. Santos from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shared the pillars of a competitive LGU and Russel O. Ponce from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) informed the participants on the initiatives for LGUs to attract investors.

On the second day of the coaching session, Division Chief Delia E. Basada from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) discussed the efforts of the DICT in digitalization of government transactions.

Atty. Cyrus Ann A. Ng-Santiago from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center introduced their newly-crafted implementing rules and regulation (IRR) pursuant to the Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines.

Further, LGOO III Keenu Louise T. Lopez from the DILG-NCR reiterated the institutionalization of the SGLG and reminded the LGUs of their commitment to continuously progress and improve their performance along various governance areas. 

On the last day of the activity, the participants from 17 LGUs presented their workshop outputs guided by lectures they received throughout the activity. Also, the City of Marikina and the City of Pasig shared their successful practices on sustaining their performance in the BFC governance area.

For the closing remarks, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV encouraged the participants to implement actions on their respective LGUS in fostering a conducive landscape for economic prosperity.

“The DILG, along with our partners will continuously discuss and develop policies and other interventions that will be for the best interest of the transacting public. We encourage all of you to work with us to achieve the call of our President to replace red tape with a red carpet and give the best and quality service to the people,” said ARD Baltazar-Cortez.

As the implementing agency of the SGLG program for LGUs and one of the forefront drivers of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11032), DILG-NCR remains steadfast in supporting the local government units through coaching sessions, trainings, and interventions in the region to achieve a business-friendly and competitive localities.