Streamlining Award rites for LGUs held in Clark

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/04/18/streamlining-award-rites-lgus-held-clark-468622
• Tuesday, April 19, 2016

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Outstanding local government units in Central Luzon whose exemplary efforts and achievements in enhancing business environment in 2015 were recognized in ceremonies held today at Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone.

The Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), chaired by Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, organized the “10th Recognition of Outstanding Central Luzon LGUs Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit,” an annual event held with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry – Central Luzon (DTI-3) and the Department of Interior and Local Government – Central Luzon (DILG -3).

Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, as president of CLGCFI, welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for the support of DTI, DILG and the local government units in the advocacy of ease of doing business in the region. He cited the business competitiveness of Central Luzon, ranking third in the country in terms of businesses and investments. He also noted that these efforts in streamlining must ultimately contribute to inclusive growth.

Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal served as the keynote speaker for the event.

Secretary Cristobal expressed his optimism in the region as an area of economic activity. He noted that the region has a well balanced growth rates and ratio of manufacturing, services and agriculture.

Aside from its proximity from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon has a strategic location with coastlines and ports on both the Pacific and West Philippine Sea, he noted. He also cited statistics that show that investments in the region are in the Php 20 Billion mark aside from an 8% growth rate in the manufacturing sector. He further noted that Central Luzon contributes 9% to the total GDP of the country, making it one of the regions with the highest contribution. In closing, Secretary Cristobal assured the audience that DTI will provide continued support in enabling businesses in the region through its various programs like SMERA and Export Assistance.

NEDA-3 Assistant Regional Director Greg Pineda and DILG Regional Director Florida M. Dijan presented and explained the criteria, categories and the evaluation process for the selection of the awardees in both CMCI and CLGCFI streamlining projects.

The following LGUs were given recognition as the regional winners in the following categories:

Most Outstanding LGU Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit – Talavera, Nueva Ecija Most Outstanding LGU for IT Innovations – Sta. Maria, Bulacan Most Outstanding LGU in Customer Relations – San Luis, Aurora Most Successful LGU in the Institutionalization of Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) reforms – City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Provincial winners and finalists for each category were also recognized. Plaques were also given to Central Luzon LGUs who ranked in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index for 2015.

Present to give the awards were Secretary Cristobal, Governor Yap, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DTI-3 Regional Director Judith Angeles, DILG-3 Regional Director Florita Dijan, Neda-3 ARD Greg Pineda and Rene Romero, Chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce.