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-“If people like your LGU they would listen to you, but if they trust your LGU they would do business with you.”-

Paraphrasing from a quote by Zig, Zigler, these are the valuable words shared by Ms. Catherine Miranda, OIC LGCDD Chief of DILG Region 02, representing DILG RD Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr. during the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Survey Forum on March 23, 2018 at Valley Hotel, Penablanca, Cagayan. The activity was initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The CMCI forum aimed to deepen the appreciation of the Local Government Units (LGUs) on the importance of the CMCI Survey as a diagnostic tool, an investment promotion tool, and a tool for research. True to its essence, building competitiveness of LGUs would tantamount to building trust with business sector and building trust would mean more investments.

Attendees to the forum are the Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs) and staff, City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (CPDC) and staff, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) and other functionaries concerned from the eighty-four (84) cities and municipalities excluding Batanes.

In the Opening Message of DTI OIC RD Ruben B. Diciano which was delivered by OIC PD Henry O. Conel, Jr., he expressed his sincerest appreciation and welcomed all development partners present in the activity. He noted that the activity is an avenue to discuss “competitiveness” which is a common concern that should stimulate the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, OIC DC Catherine Miranda delivered the Inspirational Message in behalf of DILG RD Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr. In her message, she articulated that LGUs play a central role in creating a conducive business environment and in promoting competitiveness by improving efficiency and reducing the cost of doing business. She also relayed the significance of the CMCI Survey to the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and how these two (2) initiatives complement in ensuring the holistic development of LGUs.

Mr. Charles Irvin P. Tagarino, TIDS, discussed the
country’s Global Competitiveness Report Card and the Indicators of Local Competitiveness. Meanwhile, Ms. Jennifer G. Baguisi, LGOO V, presented the topic “Building Business-Friendly and Competitive LGUs through Government Efficiency” and presented the importance of improving the Business Permitting and system through the Regulatory Simplification for Local Governments (RS4LGs).
At the latter part, LGOO V Baguisi convened the eight target LGUs on RS4LG and P4 and discussed briefly the status of LGUs in compliance with the requirements of the said program. She said, further verification will be done to their respective LGUs.