MANILA–The Board of Investments (BOI), through its Investments Assistance Service (IAS), handed out Certificates of Recognition to national and local government officials and employees for their valuable contribution to effectively facilitating investments in the Philippines during the Stakeholders’ Recognition Ceremony at the Diamond Hotel on Dec. 16.
With the theme “Making It Happen with a Whole-of-Government Strategy,” the program recognized the contributions of partner national agencies and local government units that form part of the Investment Facilitation Network (formerly the Investment Promotion Unit Network).
These partners have been pivotal in attracting investments to the country by simplifying business processes and effectively addressing investors’ issues and concerns.
Since 2007, the member agencies of the Investment Facilitation Network have played a crucial role in efficiently processing permits and licenses for projects deemed strategic investments. This success is a testament to the whole-of-government approach, achieved through the collaboration of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs).
Executive Director of the BOI’s Investments Assistance Centre (IAC) Bobby G. Fondevilla delivered the opening remarks, commending the efforts of the Investment Facilitation Network member agencies, which catalyze the country’s economic progress.
In his video message, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan lauded the green lane for generating strategic investments in the Philippines, creating jobs for Filipinos, and making the Philippines an attractive destination for strategic investments.
Secretary Balisacan also recognized the pivotal role of the LGUs in the simplification of the processes of doing business in the country.
This recognition ceremony is an initiative from the BOI to recognize the valuable contributions of employees of national government agencies and local government units in speeding up the processes of facilitating investments in the country.
“Working hand-in-hand brings real and tangible pathway for economic growth,” said Balisacan.
“This is meaningful for us,” the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Commissioner Jennifer Limpayen Sibug-Las said, expressing her appreciation for the recognition of the role of the NCIP in contributing to the country’s business friendly environment.
In his closing remarks, BOI IAS Director Ernesto Delos Reyes, Jr. recognized the silent government employees who exerted efforts to improve the investment climate in the country.
Moreover, those recognized from NGAs were officials and employees from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Transportation (DOTR), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Local Government, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC), Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
BOI also recognized officials and employees from LGUs, including the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, the Provincial Government of Laguna, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and the City Government of General Trias, Cavite.
Furthermore, an awarding ceremony will be conducted in January next year.