Published on: June 03, 2023 | Written By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

May 22-23, 2023 | The Department of the Interior and Local Government IX in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment and Board of Investments, held a two-day training program for Local Government Units (LGUs) on Workforce Development Plan (WDP) and Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC), aimed to enhance employment opportunities for the sake of inclusive and sustainable peace.

Together with TESDA, DOLE, and DTI, DILG implemented the Strengthening Initiatives for Balanced Growth and Opportunities at the Localities (SIBOL) Program through JMC No. 2021-001, working towards the integration of national and local workforce development initiatives in communities affected by vulnerability and conflict.

A Workforce Development Plan (WDP) is a strategic framework that enhances skills, productivity, and capabilities of a workforce. It identifies skill gaps, sets goals, and implements initiatives like training, apprenticeships, and collaborations to address those gaps. The plan aims to equip the workforce with skills for the evolving labor market, drive economic growth, and improve employment quality.

The Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC) is a local policy to attract investments and promote economic development. It outlines benefits for investors, such as tax incentives and simplified permits, to encourage local and foreign businesses. The LIIC helps LGUs define economic goals, attract investments, and foster local economic growth.

As a component of the training program, DILG provided the participating LGUs with guidelines concerning the creation of the WDP and LIIC. This proactive step aimed to entice investments from local and foreign sources, synchronize the LGUs’ development priorities with their Land-Use Plans and zoning regulations, accelerate the progress of new or underdeveloped areas for industrial and commercial purposes, and facilitate the process of urban renewal. By implementing these measures, the LGUs would enhance their capacity to attain their economic and social objectives, thus making valuable contributions to regional and national aspirations.

The training program assembled a diverse group of essential participants, such as the Municipal Planning and Development Officer (MPDO), Local Economic Development and Investments Promotion Office (LEDIPO), Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO). These individuals have crucial responsibilities in developing and executing the WDP and LIIC within their respective LGUs.

Alvin Rex M. Lucero delivered the opening message, in behalf of RD Paisal Abutazil, highlighted the significance of workforce development and local investments in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

The training sessions were led by Regional and Provincial Focal Persons responsible for facilitating Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives. Moreover, esteemed experts from DOLE IX, namely Sheryl U. Joaquin and Engr. Wesley Tan, along with Irwin Jayson Jamaca, a Supervising Investments Promotion Specialist, and Keen Arsenio, a Senior Investments Specialist from the Board of Investments, Cagayan de Oro City Extension, were invited to share their valuable insights and knowledge during the event.

The training program focused on target LGUs, with some attending the sessions in person while others joined remotely through Zoom. Among the attendees present at the venue were representatives from Gutalac, Sibuco, Mabuhay, Talusan, and Josefina. On the other hand, LGUs such as Labangan, Lakewood, Molave, Pitogo, Tambulig, La Libertad, Piñan, Katipunan, Tampilisan, Rizal, RT Lim, Naga, Titay, and Olutanga participated in the training sessions via the Zoom platform.