BOI teaches LGUs to be more ‘investor-friendly’

By Armie B. Gunay NAGA CITY --- Frontline officers of various local government units (LGUs) in adjoining municipalities and this city had the chance to learn more about proper handling of and assisting investors and businessmen who are interested to invest or do business in their respective localities. Selected LGU personnel underwent the Investment Briefing and Counseling Seminar for LGU frontliners conducted by the Bureau of Investment (BOI) here last February 15. The BOI is the agency in charge of inviting businesses to invest in the country. Atty. Raul V. Angeles, executive director of the BOI Assistance Service, said that they had been successful in inviting businesses to venture in the country. However, most of the complaints they are receiving from businessmen is the difficulty they are having when transacting with the LGUs,that include red tape and a bundle of bureaucratic requirements. The seminar discussed, among others, ‘Tips To Be Effective Frontliners.’ It also discussed laws and procedures on doing business in the Philippines and the best way to assist prospective investors in complying with them. Among the topics also tackled were: Foreign Investments Negative List, Doing Business with Incentives, and Business Permit Processing and Issuances. The operation of the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) in the localities was also discussed and underscored as one of the main concerns of businessmen as regards renewal of licenses, permits and other requirements in the most convenient way possible. BOI reminded the LGUs that although there are set rules and guidelines on issuing needed legal documents, their system and practices must be investor-friendly because businessmen and public servants are co- helpers in stirring up economic dynamism and growth in their locality. With the seminar, the BOI is optimistic that they would be receiving less of the complaints and gain positive feedback from prospective investors, both local and foreign.