The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), the country’s primary industry development and lead investments promotion agency, is further strengthening investments promotion awareness at the local level with the conduct of seminars for frontliners at the local government units (LGUs).

Dubbed as BOI-L.O.K.A.L. (Linangin ang Obligasyon at Kakayahan tungo sa Aktibong Lokal na Pamumuhunan) seminar, the last leg was held recently (October 12, 2018), at the Crowne Plaza Manilla Galleria in Ortigas Center, Quezon City. The agency also conducted this year BOI-L.O.K.A.L. seminars in La Union, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro.

A total of 117 representatives from different LGUs from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON, participated in the seminar where BOI discussed pre, during, and post investment registration assistance services for LGU frontliners, and equip them with information that will help them better serve and assist existing and potential investors in their areas.

“A frontliner of an LGU is the first-hand experience of any investor who will visit the city or municipality for inquiries or concerns pertaining to investments. Thus, we have included a program such as BOI LOKAL that will enhance the capacities of our frontliners in the LGUs in collaboration with different national government agencies,” said BOI Director for Investment Assistance Service Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla.

BOI Director for Investment Assistance Service (IAS) Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla gives his opening remarks during the BOI-L.O.K.A.L. seminar for LGUs at the Crowne Plaza Manilla Galleria in Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

In the past, the BOI conducted seminars exclusively for BOI-registered firms. Recognizing the vital role of the local government in attending to the issues and concerns of investors, BOI developed the BOI-L.O.K.A.L. awareness seminar tailor-fitted to them.

Aside from the briefing on the available BOI services for investors, the participants also took the opportunity to clarify issues and concerns from the representatives of BOI partner agencies including the Department of Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), Office of the Ombudsman, and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

A total of 117 representatives from municipalities around NCR, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON attended the whole-day seminar, where BOI discussed its various assistance services for potential and existing investors in the Philippines.

During the first half of the seminar, Ms. Virginia S. Clavel of the DILG-BLGD discussed the agency’s initiatives on the ease of doing business and the PPP for the People initiative for LGU (P4), Architect Mariano Del Castillo of DPWH tackled the process of issuance of Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy and Ms. Brenda L. Miranda of the DOF-BLGF explained the Local Business Tax Exemption of the BOI Registered firms.

Atty. Julita M. Calderon from the Office of the Ombudsman meanwhile talked about the functions and duties of the Investment Ombudsman, while Ms. Ditta Mae C. Siena of CSC shared and answered questions relating to the working Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 or the RA 11032.

Date of Release: 6 November 2018