Northern Samar solon files bill establishing LEDIPOs in LGUs
ONGCHUAN (left).
TACLOBAN CITY – Newly-elected Northern Samar second district Rep. Edwin Ongchuan has filed a bill institutionalizing the position of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) in all local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines.
House Bill 602 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7160 – the Local Government Code of 1991 – to ensure the permanent placement of LEDIPOs in provincial, city, and first- and second-class municipal governments.
The appointment of LEDIPOs is optional for third- to sixth-class municipalities.
This strategic position was initially encouraged in a 2010 memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to cultivate a more business-friendly environment to draw local and foreign investors.
Successive directives, including the designation of Public-Private Partnership Sub-Committees chaired by LEDIPOs, aimed to align local investment strategies with national economic goals.
The inconsistency of policies and programs due to temporary LEDIPO appointments emphasizes the need for a permanent LEDIPO role.
The bill seeks to provide continuity and stability, preventing the disruption of economic initiatives and ensure sustained development across local sectors.
Rep. Ongchuan, who served as governor of Northern Samar from 2019 to 2025, said that the reform is crucial, especially as LGUs endeavor to recover and fortify their local economies post-global disruptions.
By making the LEDIPO position permanent, we aim to institutionalize a robust framework for economic growth that can withstand administrative turnovers, he said.
The bill also outlines stringent qualification criteria for LEDIPOs, ensuring that only highly experienced and educated individuals can undertake these critical roles.
According to the proposed amendments, these officers will be responsible for formulating local investment codes, facilitating economic projects, and promoting their LGUs as prime investment locations.
In line with the enforcement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2023, which establishes green lanes to expedite strategic investments, the bill will potentially transform local economic landscapes by making them more competitive and investment-friendly.