CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2025-609 (Authored by: Honorable Ann Marjorie N. Revelo) "AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER-PAGADIAN CITY, UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS, AND SETTING THE APPROPRIATION FUNDS THEREOF" WHEREAS, in order to further sustain its mark in the global economy, the Philippine National Government aims to bolster sustainable local economic development by engaging multi-stakeholder and participatory processes through local government units, with the aim to stir the public, business and non- governmental sectors to address economic problems, and create better conditions for investment leading to economic growth and development, with full support of the Republic of the Philippines' position in full integration of the global economy in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) where there is a single market and highly competitive region with equitable economic development; WHEREAS, in keeping with the National Government's thrust to build a strong and resilient economy aimed at inclusive and continued growth, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) strengthened its efforts and resources in enhancing the capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs) to improve local economy as they play an active role in attracting investments. In addition, the presence of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office has been established as one of the indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) under Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness Essential Area; WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government de of 1991, states that every local government unit shall exercise the powers to ensure, support, and enhance, among others, economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants. Further, the Local Government Code expressly authorizes the local government divisions to create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Pagadian City Government, in accordance with the law, as well as grants authority to the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact ordinances and approve resolutions, to ensure, among others, efficient and effective delivery of basic services and facilities; WHEREAS, the role of the local government economic and investment officer was expanded in the current administration on which the government draws its efforts to increase competitiveness and ease of doing business that will enable businesses to thrive in the country, with the designation of a local economic development officer in all Provinces, Cities and Municipalities, and the establishment of its corresponding office is deemed necessary to encourage more investment and competitiveness in the locality to sustain economic development. Further, the institutionalization of local economic development and investment promotion through the creation and further empowerment of an attendant office and staff with these core competencies will not only adhere to the recommendation of the national government agencies, but shall duly strengthen the state of inclusive and efficient economic growth in Pagadian City. Further still, the institutionalization of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Center-Pagadian will surely alleviate the economic problems faced by Pagadian City especially during the time of the Corona Virus 2019 pandemic, wherein both the national and local economy has taken a hit, with resultant unemployment and underemployment, shut down of industries and businesses, and the decline of gross domestic product and other economic standards tangible due to the limitations caused by the pandemic. Further, this shall help streamline the focus to target existing and emerging growth areas, partnerships to facilitate enterprise/business development, livelihood, loans and grants to business, basic business skills training, investment opportunities, among others, which would contribute to the overall thriving of Pagadian City as a local government with sustained and inclusive growth, a high-trust and resilient society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (15th City Council) of Pagadian City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. This Ordinance shall be known as LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER-PAGADIAN CITY (LEDIPC-PAGADIAN CITY). The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Center-Pagadian City, under the Office of the City Mayor, is hereby established as the primary arm of the Pagadian economic development and investment promotion policies, program, projects, and activities. The LEDIPC-Pagadian City shall be headed by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer (LEDIPO), as designated by the Pagadian City Mayor, in adherence to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-167 dated 9 December 2020, for the purpose of emphasizing the LEDIPO's role in local economic development. SECTION 2. MISSION AND VISION OF THE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER-PAGADIAN. The mission of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City is to serve as the lead office of the Pagadian City Government in building a strong and resilient local economy aimed at inclusive and competitive growth and development, encouraging, assisting, developing, and supporting local businesses, as well as attracting new investments (local, national, and international), to develop Pagadian City's potential as an economic, business, and investment hub recognized both locally and internationally. The vision of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City is to provide innovative, convenient, time-saving and cost effective business registration, development, and support services to grow businesses, and to strengthen the business climate of Pagadian City, which will in turn attract and encourage investors. To protect the rights and guarantees of investors and registered enterprise as provided by law and the Constitution, and to enhance investors' confidence; To rank in the top cities in the Philippines in terms of competitiveness index, in terms of being labeled as a "Business Friendly" city, economic growth and gross domestic product, and to be able to create, develop, and sustain a myriad of strong and compliant businesses in Pagadian City. SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following terms shall be mean: Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Center-Pagadian City (LEDIPC-Pagadian City) refers to an office/unit in the city of Pagadian in charge of the facilitation, preparation, coordination, and execution of local economic development and investment promotion policies, programs, projects, and activities. Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) refers to a focal person in the LEDIPC-Pagadian City whose function is to facilitate the preparation, coordination, and execution of local economic development and investment promotion policies, programs, projects, and activities of the city. SECTION 4. LEGAL BASES. The following shall comprise the legal bases for the establishment and empowerment of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City and LEDIPO: a) Section 14-16 of the Local Government Code (R.A. No. 7160) - Prescribes the corporate existence of the LGUs and that within their respective territorial jurisdiction, they shall enhance economic prosperity and promote full employment. b) Section 18 of the Local Government Code - The local government unit shall have the power and authority to establish and organization that shall be responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of their development plan, programs objectives and priorities; to create their own sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges which shall accrue exclusively for their use and disposition and which shall be retained by them. c) Philippines Development Plan 2023-2028 - Chapter 9; Promote Trade and Investments Assessment and Challenges Strategy Framework Strategies Outcome 2: Total investments increased and targeted to boost trade, skills upgrading, and sustainability Legislative Agenda d) DILG Memorandum Circular 2010-113 - Designation of Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer e) Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01 - Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Private Partnership for the People Initiative for Local Governments (LGU P4) f) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01 - Supplemental Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Private Partnership for the People Initiative for Local Governments (LGU P4); and g) DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-167 - Guidelines on Expanding the Designation of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO). h) The Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), officially known as?Republic Act No. 9485,?is a Philippine law enacted in 2007 to improve the efficiency of government service delivery by reducing bureaucratic red tape and preventing graft and corruption. i) The?Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Plan 2023-2028?features our comprehensive strategy to boost the agility and resilience of our MSMEs in an increasingly interconnected and innovation-centric business environment.? SECTION 5. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION OFFICER. The pertinent functions and duties of the LEDIPO are as follows: a) To manage and oversee all programs, projects, and activities of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City; b) To head, and exercise the power of supervision over all employees of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City, as well as to interview and recommend for hiring or promotion for any vacancy therein; c) To facilitate the preparation, coordination, and execution of local economic development and investment promotion policies, projects, and activities of the Pagadian City Government, especially for all related to business growth and development, entrepreneurship, micro, small, medium enterprise (MSME) management, and competitiveness in the city area, with the main thrust toward recommending and implementing poverty alleviation and subsequent eradication, as well as ensuring inclusive growth policies; d) To maintain the aggressive, systematic, coordinated, sustained promotion and marketing of Pagadian City as an investment and employment location; e) To provide relevant information about business potentials of Pagadian City including services of the Pagadian City Government to prospective investors to attract more investments to flow in the community. f) To establish a local economic data base containing relevant facts and figures; g) To coordinate with other offices on the promotion of economic growth and development activities such as the Planning and Development Office, Treasury Department, Budget Office, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod; h) To serve as the point person in dealings with the national government agencies involved in economic development, business and enterprise management, investment, and competitive practices such as but not limited to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Trade and Industry, DTI-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI), Philippines Competition Commission (PCC); Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Finance (DOF) Bureaus and attached agencies such as Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Development Company, Development Academy of the Philippines, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines ; i) To coordinate with other local government units, the private sector, civic society organization, and other stakeholders involved in local economic growth, development and investment promotion, competitive practices, as well as entrepreneurial, enterprise-based, cooperative and livelihood activities; and j) To perform other tasks and duties inherent to the position that may be assigned from time to time by the City Mayor as Chief Executive. SECTION 6. GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE LEDIPC-PAGADIAN CITY. The LEDIPC-Pagadian City will take charge of all activities related to local government investment facilitation and promotion activities, local enterprise development, establishment of support mechanisms for the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), provide mechanisms for business retention and expansion, and other business and economic activities to attract investment and generate employment. The specific functions of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City are the following: To serve as member of the advisory group that will guide the local government for investment promotion; To steer the creation of a business enabling environment to attract, retain or expand investments; To advocate and promote policies and practices that will encourage local investment such as; i. Preparation of LGU Economic Development aligned with the City Development and Physical Framework Plan (CDPFP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Local Investments and Incentive Code as may be applicable; ii. Assisting on the formulation or updating of Local Investment and Incentive Code (LIIC); and iii. Marketing and Promotion Strategies of the LGU. d) In close coordination with the Pagadian City Local Planning and Development Coordinator, to identify revenue generating and enterprise development projects of the LGU which may be implemented by the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements; e) To provide support and facilitation assistance for prospective and new investors; f) To establish and maintain a local economic database containing relevant facts and figures on the local economy to be able to provide information about business potentials of Pagadian including its services to prospective investors to attract more investment to flow in the locality; g) To conduct mission trips in relation to promotion and marketing activities of Pagadian City to attract investments; h) To assist and support local councils and civil society organizations whose undertakings are related to economic development; i) To assist in the promotion of Micro, Small, Medium, Enterprise (MSMEs) in the locality, as well as all other potential investors, particularly in (1) securing licenses and permits, (2) identifying business or joint venture partners, raw materials suppliers and possible business sites, (3) sourcing skilled manpower and service providers, and (4) facilitating the resolution if issues and concerns encountered by business entities; j) To establish and maintain partnerships with the Regional Office of Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DTI-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI), National Competitiveness Council (NCC); Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Finance (DOF) Bureaus and attached agencies such as Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), along with other national government regulatory agencies and with the private sector, NGOs/CSOs, academe and other stakeholders in the implementation of programs, projects and activities that will promote the economic development, business-friendliness, and competitiveness of the City; k) To represent the City in trade and investment meetings, conferences, and other similar activities in both domestic and foreign venues; and l) To prepare and disseminate investment promotion collaterals, e.g., brochures, and socials media platforms, and a website of the LGU for the purpose of information dissemination, including issuing reminders to Registered Enterprises, and providing information relevant to doing business, in coordination with the Pagadian City Information Office and Local Investment and Incentives Board. SECTION 7. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIVISIONS. In order to best discharge the attendant functions, the LEDIPC-Pagadian City will have three (3) divisions as recommended in DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-167 dated 9 December 2020. The division and their functions are stated thus: a) Economic Enterprise Management and Research Division. The Economic Enterprise Management and Research Division shall be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: i. Formulating plans, developing and implementing the establishment of new economic enterprises; ii. Coordination with cooperatives and other existing economic enterprises to realize the aims of economic development in the city, in relation to business and entrepreneurship initiatives, in partnership with the cooperative development office; iii. Updating of Pagadian City's economic data on the LGU P4 portal developed by the DILG; iv. Registering, compiling, and holding the information of all economic enterprises including but not limited to MSMEs as well as their registration and certifications such as the Barangay Micro Business Certification; v. Planning and implementing any proposed and approved mechanisms for registration and/or certification of economic enterprises particularly those related to business types in the city; vi. Handling of the online platform for registration and business information dissemination; vii. Assisting in the management as well as facilitating the creation and operating of any and all economic hubs (ecohubs), one-town-one product hubs (OTOP hubs), and other research and development or start-up or incubator facilities, physical or other of the city; and viii. Conducting research and endorsing new technology for existing products and for other local economic uses. b) Business and Industry Development Division. The Business and Industry Development Division shall discharge the following functions: i. Supervising city trade and industry functions and plans, including the developing, monitoring, and reporting of performance measure on the effectiveness of these initiatives; ii. Assisting in the creation of a workable business plan for the city entrepreneurs which would encourage sustainability and resilience, including the identification of the needs of business owners (marketing, access to finance, access to incentives, and product creation); iii. Planning and implementing training modules to empower the city's entrepreneurs, including the setting and monitoring of a business training curriculum, looking for and vetting speakers/trainers, and conceptualizing an incentive system to encourage participation of the city's entrepreneurs and or conceptualizing a mandate system for their participation in lie with local government rules and regulations; iv. Conducting or participating in trade and exhibitions or other events in coordination with the private sector and other government entities; v. Formulating projects for product development, as well as conceptualizing product paraphernalia and other marketing strategies for local products, including providing assistance in conduct of research on funding possibilities from existing and new partners and donors; vi. Establishing value-chain linkages for supplies within and without the city locality with other government units; vii. Monitoring and recommending appropriate interventions for the sustainability for each industry; and viii. Ensuring proper dissemination of national and local government business and industry updates to the city's roster of businesses. Investment Promotion and Administrative Services. The Investment Promotion and Administrative Services Division shall discharge the following functions: i. Evaluating applications for registration and application for availment of local incentives; ii. Providing assistance to clients in identifying business or joint venture partners, sourcing out skilled manpower and service providers, and facilitating concerns encountered by investors and conduct research on the possible investment areas; iii. Monitoring and evaluating project implementation of registered enterprises as well as new investments within the locality; iv. Formulating plan and strategies on strengthening network relationship, including linkages with the Philippines and Pagadian-Zamboanga Del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PZCCIFI), the MSME Council, and others; v. Preparing and disseminating investment promotion collaterals including briefing to investor, financial statements, and other economic public relation platform initiatives; vi. Providing adequate recommendations on the existing legislation and procedures for local investments; vii. Strengthening the economic profile on the city through taking charge of applications for recognition with local, national, and international bodies, including but not limited to recognition for "Most Business-Friendly City," "Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index," ISO accreditation of the city's business offices, and the like; viii. Ensuring the strong competitiveness profile of Pagadian City through linkages with the Philippine Competition Commission and both national and international agencies; ix. Coordinating with partnering institutions/agencies/private sector associations intended for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, and for the conduct of research on PPP project possibilities from existing and new partners, including the development of a database of potential private sector partners, in support of the Pagadian City P4 Selection and Regulating Committees; x. Assisting and providing logistical and technical support in the implementation of PPP programs and projects, in support of the Pagadian City P4 Selection and Regulating Committees; xi. Conducting research on best LGU PPP practices, and for recommending plans, policies, and implementation guidelines related to PPP in consultation with appropriate implementing agencies and private sectors; and xii. Perform the necessary administrative services attendant to all processes of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City. SECTION 8. REORGANIZATION, DIVISION, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE. The following positions titles to man the division are hereby created in conformity with the qualification standards set by the Civil Service Commission and its index of Occupational Services, Positions Titles and Salary Grade for local government units. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Title of Position Grade/Step Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer/Division Chief SG 22 Economic Enterprise Management and Research Division Economic Development Specialist SG 15 Business Development and Research Division Economist I SG 15 Investment Services and Technical Support Division Investment Specialist SG 15 The corresponding qualification standards of the aforementioned positions shall be in accordance with existing civil service laws, rules, and guidelines. Additional staffing requirements of the LEDIPC-Pagadian City may be provided by the City Government of Pagadian upon the recommendation of the Local Economic Development and Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) and they shall be appointed by the City Mayor in accordance with CSC rules. SECTION 9. APPROPRIATIONS. The budget requirement for the full implementation of this Ordinance shall be taken from the General Fund of the Annual Budget of the Pagadian City Government, and shall be included in the annual appropriations of the City Government for the succeeding years, subject to the usual budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations as provided in Commission on Audit No. 92-382. SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If any section or part of this Ordinance is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force or effect. SECTION 11. REPEALING CLAUSE. All other orders, issuances, rules or regulations, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 12. EFFECTIVITY. This Ordinance shall immediately take effect after fifteen (15) days of posting thereof in at least two (2) conspicuous places in the City of Pagadian. ENACTED AND APPROVED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (15th City Council) during its 8th Regular Session held on 03 September 2025 at the SP Session Hall, 4th Floor City Commercial Center Building, Santiago District, Pagadian City. LANCE SAMUEL F. CO SP Member/Presiding Verified: MA. ALICIA ELENA V. ARIOSA SP Member/Asst. Floor Leader Attested: ELKID P. NACUA Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Approved: SAMUEL S. CO City Mayor Date:_________________