The DILG Region 6, in its continuous efforts to capacitate local government units (LGUs) in the promotion of local economic development (LED), was recognized and selected by the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) to be the pilot region to implement the Recovery Initiatives towards Sustained Local Economy (RISE) Program. The RISE national launching was held on October 6, 2023 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

The region highlighted its partnership strengths in the implementation of the RISE Program through its Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) and collaboration with Local Resource Institutes and the private sector through the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and other stakeholders.

DILG 6 Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero said in his message, “This launching serves as a platform for fruitful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Nagbibigay ito ng pagkakataong tuklasin ang mga komprehensibong ideya at estratehiya na makapagtutulak sa paglago at pag-unlad ng ekonomiya. Ang magkakaibang hanay ng mga pananaw na inaalok ng programang ito ay walang alinlangang magpapayaman sa ating pang-unawa sa mga hamon na ating kinakaharap at tutulong sa atin na matukoy ang mga epektibong solusyon.”

Directors from the other DILG regional offices as well as representatives from different national government agencies attended this convergence, which featured the sharing of LED initiatives from the Province of Iloilo and Iloilo City, and the presentation of LED project proposals from the two LGUs with the best LED business plans selected during the presentation and critique on June 9, 2023.

The winning LGUs are the municipality of Badiangan from the province of Iloilo focusing on the revival of the ginger industry and Talisay City from the province of Negros Occidental with project on integration of the coconut industry with Agri-Tourism. Both LGUs are the first recipients of the RISE Program that went through another critiquing from a panel of reactors offering recommendations.

The RISE program highlights the LGUs act as facilitators and catalysts for investment. They establish a conducive business environment by streamlining regulations, simplifying permitting processes, and providing incentives. By maintaining and enhancing critical infrastructure, LGUs attract private investment, foster business expansion, and create jobs. Moreover, they champion small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering tailored support, training programs, and financial assistance, nurturing local entrepreneurship and innovation.

DILG created the RISE Program to empower LGUs with the necessary tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to drive economic recovery and nurture sustained growth.

Division Chief for Local Government Capability Development (LGCDD) Christian M. Nagaynay, unveiled the comprehensive framework designed by the Region. The Region 6 LED coaches, composed of professors from various universities, provided valuable insights necessary in assisting the LGUs in their capacity development.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all the distinguished LED coaches and experts who graciously agreed to share their insights and time with us. Ang inyong kasanayan at karanasan ay magbibigay inspirasyon sa mga talakayan na nakakapukaw ng pag-iisip na maaaring humubog ng kalinangan at inisyatiba sa mga darating na taon para sa programang ito,” said RD Ingeniero.

“I am also pleased to acknowledge the partnership offered by the different national government agencies for this program. Recognizing the relevance of these partnerships for local development will cultivate stronger relationships,” Ingeniero added.

The partnership was formalized through signing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which will enables exchange of resources and knowledge, encourage agency collaboration, and promote synergy.

Part of the launching of the RISE Program was an exhibit showcasing the products of the Province of Iloilo; City of Iloilo; Badiangan, Iloilo; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; Banate, Iloilo and Jordan, Guimaras. Promoting local economic development and resilient communities by enhancing the LGU’s capacity to drive recovery and growth is one of the objectives of the RISE Program and the display supporting local products was a step towards it.