PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HOLDS INVESTMENT BRIEF WRITESHOP FOR LEDIPOs OF GUIMARAS

The Provincial Government of Guimaras continues to develop the capacity of the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers (LEDIPOs) and other stakeholders in crafting effective policies to support economic development in the island province. The Provincial Economic Development Office (PEDO) conducted an Investment Brief Writeshop and Validation on August 19-20, 2024 at Caza Guest House, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

The activity was participated by Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers, Tourism Officers of the five municipalities; representatives from Tourism-Related Industry Group, water and Internet providers; Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology; and offices of the Provincial Government of Guimaras.

Provincial Economic Development Officer Francisco Gentoral explained that the project aims to identify and validate potential investment projects that are aligned with the development goal of the province. This will likewise enhance the capacity of LEDIPOs in project development and investment pitching.

In his message, Governor JC Rahman A. Nava MD emphasized the great potential for Guimaras due to the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island bridges. According to Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde, the DA is looking at Guimaras to become an agricultural port because of the agency’s plan to separate the agri ports from the common ports managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The purpose of this plan is to stabilize the price of agricultural products in the market.

“We must not forget that we are still an agri-fishery province. Amo gid na ang baseline economic nga driver naton. But we know that things may change in the near future with the two bridges coming in. I talked with Asec sa DA. So, ang concern nila is the growing prices of commodities because of port management, example PPA ports. Nagamahal pirme ang mga fees and charges to the point nga maapektuhan ang goods nga naga-agi sa sina nga port,” Governor Nava said.

“Naga-agree si Asec. Atayde nga ang end point ta mangin sea port kag natan-aw niya tani nga kun puwede kita himuon nga agri port. But it would be initiated by the provincial government. Daku-daku nga investment but they will put in money as well. Plano nila i-separate ang agri port from the usual PPA ports. Amo na ang concept nila to the point nga ma-manage ang mga fees and charges nga practically viable nga indi madali-dali nga maapektuhan ang aton nga markets. So, tam-an ka klaro ni kay I think there is no better place here in Panay area and Negros including Guimaras nga mas may maayo nga potential like sa Guimaras,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Administrator Gregory Teñoso II welcomed the participants to the two-day activity.