In line with the celebration of Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month—which promotes a whole-of-government approach to ensure efficiency in all government-related transactions and to spur local economic development and sustained growth—DILG Region XII spearheaded an orientation and the 1st Semester EODB Focal Persons’ Conference. The event aimed to orient participants on the Recovery Initiative for a Sustained Economy (RISE) and various EODB programs, laws, and issuances. It was held on May 14, 2025, at Habi Hotel, City of Koronadal, and was attended by DILG Program Managers, Provincial/City EODB focal persons, and their alternates.
The activity began with the usual preliminaries, followed by a presentation of the activity overview and flow by LGOO VI Engr. Mary Ann R. Traspe, Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD).
LGOO II Shylack C. Limao, the DILG XII EODB focal person, discussed the salient features of the Recovery Initiative toward a Sustained Local Economy. She emphasized that “the role of LGUs in reconstructing and reshaping the business environment, and in rebuilding the economy from the impacts of the pandemic, is essential. The DILG should serve as an agent and catalyst to empower LGUs with the necessary tools, strategies, and partnerships to drive economic recovery and foster sustainable local economic development.”
The best practices of General Santos City, the City of Koronadal, and Kidapawan City— recognized as LED/RISE model LGUs in the region—were also showcased through an audio-visual presentation during the orientation. A review of EODB-related programs, laws, issuances, and policies was also conducted. Topics included: Reengineering of LGU systems and procedures; streamlining of Business Permits and Licensing Systems (BPLS), Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy (BPCO), and shared Public-Private Technical Institutes (PTTIs); integration of barangay clearances in LGU permitting processes; rationalization of fees and charges; updating of the local revenue code; digitalization and automation; and formulation of Local Investment and Incentives Code (LIIC) and Workforce Development Plan (WDP).
During the 1st Semester EODB Focal Persons’ Conference, the following items were presented and discussed: updates on agreements and action points from the 1st Quarter EODB Focal Persons’ Meeting; progress reports on ongoing EODB initiatives and activities for calendar year 2025; feedback on EODB coaching provided to select LGUs; an advisory on the guidelines for participation in the 2025 EODB Month celebration; submission schedules for 2nd semester reports via the upgraded Online Monitoring System (OMS) in July 2025; and various issues and concerns raised by Provincial and City EODB focal persons.
The activity concluded with a closing message and announcements delivered by LGOO VII Maria Theresa D. Bautista, Division Chief of LGCDD. She expressed her gratitude to all participants for their presence and active engagement and encouraged them to continue supporting LGUs within their areas of jurisdiction to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law.
