The Provincial Economic Development and Investment
Promotions Office (PEDIPO) recently convened with the Provincial Legal Office
(PLO) to deliberate on key policy considerations supporting the advancement of
local economic development programs. The meeting focused on refining existing
frameworks and exploring new policy directions to ensure that economic
initiatives are inclusive, legally sound, and aligned with sustainable
development goals.
One of the primary matters discussed was the enhancement of
the Barangay Livelihood and Enterprise Support framework. During the first
public hearing for the proposed BLES ordinance, stakeholders raised the need to
broaden the program’s coverage to include sole proprietors and aspiring
agripreneurs, not only community-based associations. In response, the PEDIPO
and the Provincial Legal Office examined possible inclusion pathways,
eligibility requirements, and safeguards should sole proprietors be integrated
into the framework. A key consideration in the discussion was the application
of science, technology, and innovation as a defining criterion to distinguish
qualified enterprises and ensure that supported projects contribute to
productivity, competitiveness, and value addition.
Another agenda was the expansion of the use of Ibabao
Heritage Cuisine Trademark, which aims to strengthen branding and market
positioning of Northern Samar’s local products. The initiative envisions the
use of a common trademark for processed foods, delicacies, handicrafts, and
other products with potential for commercialization and export. The discussion
explored the possibility of allowing qualified concessionaires to use the
trademark, along with access to capacity building programs and other forms of institutional
support. Criteria for participation and compliance remain under development,
with the intention of integrating qualified enterprises into the BLES program
framework to ensure coherence and sustainability.
The meeting also tackled the emerging concept of Payment for
Ecosystem Services as a potential policy instrument for environmental
sustainability. The discussion centered on the feasibility of requiring private
entities or business enterprises to provide compensation for the use of
ecosystems or for activities that may pose risks to environmental resources.
While the concept is already established in principle, the team acknowledged
the need for further policy development, particularly in identifying covered
entities, defining eligible ecosystems or projects, and determining appropriate
compensation mechanisms that are fair, transparent, and enforceable.
The meeting underscored the importance of close coordination
between PEDIPO and PLO in shaping policies that are responsive to stakeholder
needs while remaining grounded in sound legal principles. Through these
collaborative efforts, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar continues to
lay the groundwork for inclusive, innovative, and sustainable local economic
development.
►http://northernsamar.gov.ph
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